The 2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins roster is set to be a fascinating mix of established stars and promising newcomers, with a particular focus on players who could make significant strides in their careers. Here are five players who are sure to spark curiosity and excitement among fans and analysts alike, each for their own unique reasons.
Nick Robertson: The Finisher's Makeover
Personally, I think Nick Robertson has the potential to be a game-changer for the Penguins. With 45 goals in the last three seasons, he's a talented scorer who, at 25 years old, is still in his prime. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between his performance and that of Egor Chinakhov, who scored 37 goals in about 2.5 seasons with the Penguins. Robertson, on the other hand, has yet to truly establish himself as a core player, averaging between 11-12 minutes per game in his three full seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The question is, can Pittsburgh unlock his true potential? In my opinion, the team's strategy of targeting young players who need a change of scenery could be the key to Robertson's success. If he can replicate Chinakhov's 'glow up' and become a consistent goal-scorer, it would be a significant win for the Penguins.
Declan Carlile: The Undrafted Free Agent
Declan Carlile is another player who fits the mold of a young, undrafted free agent looking for an opportunity. Having spent three seasons in the AHL, Carlile got a chance to play in the NHL last season due to injuries to other players. At 26 years old, he has the size (6'3", 190) and puck-moving ability that the Penguins are looking for. Considering the current mess on the left side of the defense, Carlile could be an instant hit and provide a much-needed boost to the depth chart. However, with limited experience, it's anyone's guess how he will perform. If he turns out to be a solid addition, the Penguins' defense will look a lot better. But if he struggles, the situation will become even more dire.
Ville Koivunen: The Contract Conundrum
Ville Koivunen's massive eight-year contract and $4 million cap hit make him one of the most intriguing storylines for training camp. Last year, he briefly joined Crosby's line, but this year, with a crowded field of forwards competing for limited spots, his future is uncertain. Is Koivunen going to earn a spot in the opening night lineup? Or will he be stuck as a healthy scratch? Any outcome is as likely as any other, which makes Koivunen a central figure to be curious about. The question of how he will fit into the team dynamics and whether he will live up to his contract is a fascinating one to watch unfold.
Andrey Kuzmenko: The Social Circle
Andrey Kuzmenko is a curious player in general, having stuck around in Russia until age 26 before joining the Vancouver Canucks. He had a tremendous first NHL season in 2022-23, scoring 39 goals and 74 points in 81 games. However, since then, his performance has been on a downward slope, with his spot in the lineup and point total consistently declining. The talent might still be there, but the ability to consistently perform at a high level remains in question. Kuzmenko's social circle, which includes Evgeni Malkin and Ilya Kovalchuk, could provide a boost and help him get back on track. The question is, will he be able to turn things around and regain his productive and effective form?
Sergei Murashov: The Next No. 1 Goalie
Sergei Murashov is the last player on this list, but certainly not least. He is incredibly young for an NHL goalie, at just 22 years old. Of the 59 goalies to appear in 25+ games last year, only two were under 24 years old. Despite his youth, Murashov is ready for the next step after a tremendous year in the AHL. The curiosity for Murashov will be seeing just how ready he is for prime time and how he can hold up in net. It's a tough spot for a team defense that doesn't usually do their goalies a lot of favors, but the talent and upside are undeniable. It's just a matter of seeing if the future is now or if he will experience growing pains along the way.
