As the Pittsburgh Penguins gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, the anticipation around their projected opening-night roster is building. A key focus for General Manager Kyle Dubas is the team’s forward lineup, which features notable players and promising newcomers.
Forward Lineup Key Features
The Penguins’ forward group is led by legendary players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Both have considerable experience and skill, making them central to the team’s strategy. Alongside them, Rickard Rakell returns as a pivotal player, having scored 35 goals last season.
Rookies and New Faces
The roster will also include several rookies, such as:
- Ville Koivunen – Recently called up, showed promise with seven assists in his first eight NHL games.
- Ben Kindel – The 11th overall pick in the last draft.
- Filip Hallander – A former second-round pick who had an outstanding season in the Swedish Hockey League.
Hallander is coming off a career year, scoring 26 goals and recording 53 points, ranking second in the SHL. His performance is expected to boost Pittsburgh’s offensive capabilities.
Physicality and Size
Pittsburgh has enhanced their lineup by adding size with players like Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau. Mantha, at 6’5″ and 240 pounds, is recovering from a knee injury and is eager to contribute this season. Malkin praised his speed and versatility, indicating that Mantha will be a significant asset.
Brazeau, another sizeable forward at 6’6″, has shown development in his game and is expected to complement Malkin and Mantha effectively.
Consistent Performers
Players such as Phil Tomasino and Tommy Novak aim to solidify their roles on the team. Tomasino displayed impressive potential during the preseason, finishing with five points in five games. Novak, who joined the team last season but faced injury challenges, is looking to establish himself this year.
Additionally, Connor Dewar will be another intriguing player to watch as he embarks on his first full season with the team after a mid-season trade.
The Penguins appear to be positioning themselves well with a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent for the upcoming season. With a balanced roster, they are set to make a noteworthy impact in the 2025-26 NHL season.
