The Penguins have been Eastern Conference contenders for a long time, they have defined retooling instead of rebuilding. In a crowded conference, the Penguins continue to stay in the upper echelon.
Notable Players In: Alex Galchenyuk, Dominik Kahun, Brandon Tanev, Samuel Poulin, Nick Bjugstad
Notable Players Out: Matt Cullen (ret), Olli Maatta, Phil Kessel
First Key Game: October 22nd, 2019 vs. the Florida Panthers.
While the Penguins retooled, the Panthers took it to an extreme this summer adding talent from the net out.
Odds to win the division
4:1 (2nd overall) (via Betway)
Is this a bet worth taking?
Put some money on the Penguins. I can’t believe I am writing that but the Penguins moves this summer makes me a bigger fan of them then Vegas. Between the Capitals and the Penguins, it should be an exciting race to the end of the season for who will win the division.
Keys To The Season
Story to watch
Will the Penguins regret trading Phil Kessel?
This story will be an echo of the season. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will get their points. That much is inevitable as long as they can keep their health, the question will be can Alex Galchenyuk fill Kessell’s spot in the lineup.
Phil scored 82 points last season putting him second on the team behind Crosby, while Galchenyuk only put up 41 points last season with Arizona, but he will be playing with more talent on the Penguins.
Player to watch
Nick Bjugstad is my penguin to watch this season. While he was acquired by the Penguins last season, I think the 6’6″ center will show his worth this season. While the Penguins have the great center depth, I think having the ability to move skilled players up and down their lineup will pay dividends for them.
Biggest need
The Penguins’ most significant need will be defense. While they may make it through the regular season and top their division, the Pens’ aim is much higher then that, and if they want to beat the high powered teams in the Eastern Conference, they will need to make an addition on the blue line at or before the trade deadline.
If the Pittsburgh Penguins were an animal, what would they be?
A Penguin of course… kidding. The Penguins would be a Galapagos Finch. While this may seem odd, doesn’t that describe the Penguins? Able to evolve with what nature or the league throws at them.
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