The first game of the Pittsburgh Penguins is just over a month away and the team still has a few things to find out. Nobody expects a lot from the Penguins next season; However, the team is not completely without potential. Their top six is good, and they have some attackers in the lower six group that could have a Breakout season. Goal congregation and defense are the Two biggest questions in Pittsburgh on the way to next season, but the team also has several players who have something to prove.
Philip Tomasino
Philip Tomasino joined the Penguins last November via an exchange with the Nashville Predators in exchange for a fourth round pick in the NHL design of 2027. He started red-hot and recorded four points in his first five games. After that, however, he became somewhat imperceptible. He is On the way to another contract year Next season and will have to find some consistency if he wants to stay in Pittsburgh.
Tomasino played in 50 games in Pittsburgh last season and scored 11 goals and a total of 23 points. He has a good shot and at the age of 24 he is the exact type of player who wants the penguins to have on their selection. When he played well, he looked like he had the potential to become a top-six player. He is good at Power Play, but he has to add more defensive consciousness to his game.
There were chunks from last season where he seemed to be lost in the line -up. If he does not score goals, he must find a way to contribute. General manager Kyle Dubas will see if he can compile all the next season and play a more consistent game.
Connor Dewar
Connor Dewar came to Pittsburgh in March after a box with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played with the Penguins in the last 17 games of the season, and although there is nothing flashy about his game, he is a solid player who could be an asset to the bottom six. His sample size is small, but Dewar’s four goals and seven points in 17 games are impressive.
The defensive game of Dewar is pretty good, which is important for a Bottom-Six player. He is also good at the front check and killing the penalty. The Penguins signed him on a one -year contract on July 1. The big question mark to bypass him is what he will be able to do with an 82 game season. Dubas will be looking for him to wear his attacking production from last season to 2025-26.
Kris Letang
There is no doubt that Kris Letang is one of the better defenders in the NHL, but last season he had difficulty staying up to date with his game. His attacking game was not good last season and his defense was not much better. He was also not great in special teams. His age turned out, probably more than ever in the past.
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It is clear that father time has started to catch up with Letang, and he must adjust his game accordingly. He underwent a heart surgery this season out of season, which is scary for every player, let alone someone who is 38 years old. He has lost a step and has to start trusting more on his hockey feeling. He must start picking his stains better and to be more healthy positionally. Letang is no longer the number 1 defender he used to be; However, he can still make a major contribution.
Penguins try to put it all together
Rebuild the penguins and it will take a few years before they are serious contenders. However, that does not mean that 2025-26 will be a lost season. There is no doubt that they have potentially up and down and a lot of young talent to develop. With a new head coach in Dan Muse they could take a few steps in the right direction next season.
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