The Pittsburgh Penguins are not the same team that had the likes of elite stars Jaromir Jagr and Mario Lemieux. They do not have the goaltending of Tom Barrasso or the offensive defenseman like Paul Coffey. They are retooling on the fly in hopes of making the playoffs once again.
Last season they hovered around .500 and missed the playoffs for the third straight season. With a revamped roster do those expectations go back to making the playoffs? After finishing seventh in the Metropolitan Division last season, a new roster comes with new energy.
Penguins have new arrivals
Just like every Penguins fan, GM Kyle Dubas was not happy with how last season went. He went on a mission to change this roster into a more competitive lineup that could challenge for a playoff spot. Dubas was busy and transformed this roster into one that in no way resembles last seasons roster.
He acquired goaltender Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Chase Stillman and a 2027 fourth-round pick. He acquired defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2028 second-round pick from the Dallas Stars for deenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok. He also acquired a 2028 third-round pick from the San Jose Sharks for goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic. These moves change the look of the defense and upgrade the defense and goaltending to a more sound llineup.
For the forward upgrades, Dubas relied solely on free agency, adding two. Coming to PIttsburgh for the 2025-26 season are Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau.
Mantha was a big-time prospect for the Detroit Red Wings as he had size and was a goal-scoring threat. After years of slumps, he was moved to the Washington Capitals. Last season he had seven points on four goals and three assists for the Calgary Flames. He is looking to return to the ice after tearing his ACL early last season. Brazeau signed a two-year deal with Pittsburgh on July 1st and will be a solid addition to the bottom six. Last season, he produced 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 76 games that was split between the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild.
The biggest change did not come to the roster but rather behind the bench. The Penguins hired Dan Muse as their new head coach, replacing Mike Sullivan, who accepted the same position with the New York Rangers. The 43-year-old Muse comes to the Penguins for his first head coaching job after serving as the assistant coach for the New York Rangers last season. It will be interesting to see his coaching style, philosophies, and how the players adapt to such a big change.
Will Tristan Jarry be traded?
Goaltender Tristan Jarry was once a big prospect who could become one of the best goaltenders in franchise history, While that fell flat over time he remains with the organization. Last season, goaltender Joel Blomqvist showed what he is capable of and may be the starting goaltender for the Penguins on opening night as he was solid in his rookie season.
Dubas went out this offseason and acquired Silovs from Vancouver as depth in between the pipes. While Blomqvist will be on the roster, training camp may be the best place to figure out the backup spot and if Jarry or Silovs will be on the roster to start the season. Jarry has fallen off a bit while Silovs played well in Vancouver. This battle should be intersting.
2025-26 expectations
Unless the Penguins surprise and become dominant this season, 2025-26 will be the year they develop prospects and plan for the future. There is a possibility the Penguins could have a solid lineup and compete for a playoff spot. On the other hand, this season may also be a year in which they play some of their biggest prospects and watch them develop. Players like Rutger McGroarty and Owen Pickering have already played solid minutes in the NHL but are still developing into stars. Avery Hayes is a player who might get a call-up during the season to see what he has in store for the Penguins organization.