Rebuild or Retool? The Pittsburgh Penguins Face a Crossroads
The Pittsburgh Penguins are skating on thin ice—literally and figuratively. For decades, this franchise has been spoiled with hockey royalty. From the legendary Mario Lemieux to the still-dominant Sidney Crosby, and supported by future Hall of Famers like Jaromir Jagr, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, the Penguins have been a perennial powerhouse. Whether they were dominating the league or struggling, fans could always count on moments of brilliance from their stars.
For years, the Penguins were the NHL’s gold standard. They delivered unforgettable playoff battles against the Washington Capitals, thrilling Game 7 victories, and three Stanley Cups in four Final appearances during the salary cap era (since 2005-06). There’s a strong case to be made that Pittsburgh has been the most consistently successful team of the cap era.
But now, the winds have shifted. The days of Stanley Cup expectations are gone, and even making the playoffs feels like a long shot. So, what’s next for this storied franchise? Should management double down and make additions for one last run with their aging core? Should they start building for the future? Or is there a way to do both?
Legends Still Leading the Way
One thing hasn’t changed: the Penguins are still being carried by their iconic veterans. Crosby and Malkin, both in the twilight of their careers, are still producing at nearly a point-per-game pace. But even their brilliance has its limits. Crosby’s even-strength value is at its lowest point ever, hovering just above break-even. Malkin, never known for his defensive prowess, is losing the expected goals and scoring chance battle by more than 10% this season. While their offensive production remains admirable, the Penguins need these two to dominate their minutes more consistently.
On the bright side, Rickard Rakell has been a revelation. Projected for 52 points this season, which would be the third-best total of his 12-year career, Rakell has found new life playing alongside Crosby. His two-way play has been a stabilizing force for the Penguins during a rocky stretch.
However, not everyone is pulling their weight. Bryan Rust’s production has dropped by 25%, and his defensive metrics rank him as the worst defensive forward in the NHL this season. Meanwhile, Drew O’Connor is struggling to generate offense and is among the bottom five in even-strength defensive value.
Sloppy Play and an Aging Roster
Sloppy turnovers, missed checks, and lackadaisical play have plagued the Penguins in all three zones. Even when they win, it’s rarely convincing. Take last Saturday, for example, when the Calgary Flames scored two quick goals in the third period, creating palpable tension in the arena. Or Tuesday, when the Penguins blew a 4-1 lead in the third period and needed an overtime winner from Rust to escape with two points.
Currently, the Penguins rank seventh in the Metropolitan Division by points percentage. And here’s the kicker: this team is old by NHL standards. On Saturday, they dressed only two players aged 25 or younger. Sustained success in the NHL requires a steady infusion of young talent to complement the veterans, something the Penguins are sorely lacking.
Building for the Future
There are some glimmers of hope. Owen Pickering has taken a step forward this season and shows promise as a future top-four defenseman. Goalie prospect Joel Blomqvist is developing into a potential NHL starter. And GM Kyle Dubas has made some savvy moves, acquiring young players like Phil Tomasino and Cody Glass, signaling a shift toward a more strategic rebuild.
But the Penguins’ current core—Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Karlsson—is too talented to allow the team to bottom out completely. The challenge is finding young NHL-ready players who can inject speed, skill, and energy into the lineup. Dubas has already shown he’s willing to get creative, targeting players like Tomasino who needed a change of scenery. Here are two types of players the Penguins should pursue:
- Young players needing a fresh start: These are players buried on their current teams or not getting enough opportunities, like Tomasino.
- AHL prospects on the cusp: Players who are close to breaking into the NHL but need a team willing to give them a shot.
Trade Deadline Opportunities
With the trade deadline approaching, the Penguins have several veterans who could fetch valuable assets:
- Anthony Beauvillier: A versatile forward who could be a savvy pickup for a playoff team.
- Drew O’Connor: A depth player with the potential to contribute to a contender.
- Noel Acciari and Blake Lizotte: Physical, defensive-minded fourth-liners with reasonable contracts.
Defenseman Marcus Pettersson is also generating interest, particularly from Vancouver. The Penguins could potentially acquire a young player like Nils Hoglander, who fits the mold of a player needing a change of scenery.
The Path Forward
Rebuilding while remaining competitive is no easy task, but it’s the challenge Dubas and his staff face. The Penguins must give their young players meaningful opportunities to grow. Tomasino, Glass, and Pickering need to play in key situations and develop into all-around contributors. If the Penguins can successfully integrate young talent while maximizing the value of their veterans, they might just find a way to stay competitive in the near future.
It’s a delicate balancing act, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Kyle Dubas. The Penguins’ future may not be as bleak as it seems—if they play their cards right.
Originally Written by: Kristen Shilton
