Pittsburgh Penguins: Contending in the Next Two Years? Mailbag Insights

PITTSBURGH — It’s been an exhilarating few days of hockey, inspiring enough to warrant a second in-depth mailbag analysis. You can find the first part here.

Your questions were insightful, as always.

Enjoying the thrilling hockey action at the 4 Nations Face-Off? Here’s what you might want to know about the Pittsburgh Penguins’ journey ahead.

Let’s dive in…

(Note: Some questions have been edited for style and clarity.)

Timeline for Penguins Contention

When will the Penguins be contenders again? One reader believes it can happen within the next two years. This optimistic timeline isn’t far off, but reality suggests a longer road. GM Kyle Dubas is unlikely to make dramatic moves this summer, focusing instead on addressing contracts and strategically grooming young talent.

Evgeni Malkin, now in his twilight years, will likely be out of the lineup by 2026. This means the 2025-26 season could mirror recent years. However, in 2026, with several promising prospects becoming NHL-ready and contracts expiring, the future looks brighter.

Penguins’ Management Plan

How would you advise the Penguins if you were GM? The focus should be on unloading unfavorable contracts, discussed in depth in the original piece. Key names include Erik Karlsson, Tristan Jarry, and Ryan Graves. Negotiations should consider trading draft picks for contract releases, avoiding the financial burdens of buyouts.

It’s crucial to keep Sidney Crosby in the loop, ensuring he’s informed pivotal decisions despite his legendary loyalty to Pittsburgh. Crosby’s input can provide invaluable insight, balancing traditional values with modern strategies.

Beloved Penguins Goalies

Beyond Marc-Andre Fleury, Alex Nedeljkovic stands out among Penguins goalies for his likable personality and humility. Brent Johnson was also well-respected in his time.

Much like Fleury, Nedeljkovic’s rapport with teammates adds invaluable camaraderie to the team, crucial for success both on and off the ice.

Prospects Heading to NHL

At least a couple of players from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton roster will likely make it to the NHL. Joel Blomqvist is a strong candidate for an early call-up. Among others:

1. Owen Pickering – Expected to join the team soon.
2. Ville Koivunen – Close to readiness.
3. Emil Bemstrom – Performing well.
4. Rutger McGroarty – Potential, not yet fully realized.
5. Mac Hollowell – Liked by GM Kyle Dubas despite being undersized.

These players demonstrate the potential of the Penguins’ youth movement and could be pivotal for future success.

Future Draft Picks: Focusing on Forwards

The Penguins are well-structured at defense and goaltending. However, a center position is underdeveloped. The ideal scenario would involve adding a center in the upcoming draft. Sidney Crosby, aged 37, and Evgeni Malkin, nearing the end of his career, necessitate a rebalance.

Drafting a center could significantly bolster the forward lines and provide the quarterback the Penguins need to compete at the highest level.

Tristan Jarry and Similar Enigmas

Tristan Jarry exemplifies players with latent potential yet inconsistent performances. Other candidates for this category include Daniel Sprong. Despite considerable talent, Sprong hasn’t achieved the heights expected of him, displaying missed opportunities that could be pivotal.

Understanding and developing these players is crucial for rejuvenating the roster and enhancing team chemistry.

Why Avoid Buyouts: Tristan Jarry and Ryan Graves

Buyouts are costly and long-term detrimental to the cap space, making them a last resort. An alternative strategy could involve trading players like Tristan Jarry or Ryan Graves for draft picks, which could offer sustainable future gains.

This approach balances short-term financial stability with long-term talent development, a critical strategy for modern hockey management.

Players Whose Games Would Adapt Best to Today

Players like Martin Straka could be borderline stars in today’s game, with exceptional speed and skill. The critical drawback is size, an attribute now less crucial than agility and quickness.

Ron Francis, while talented, may struggle due to his less aggressive skating style, a factor that modern hockey increasingly demands.

Assessing players’ adaptability to current standards is essential for identifying those who can thrive in today’s competitive NHL environment.

Pittsburgh Hosting the World Cup of Hockey

The prospect of hosting the World Cup of Hockey is plausible yet unlikely. Pittsburgh’s location near Toronto enhances its chances, though Buffalo often receives preference for such events.

Hosting such a tournament would be a significant moment, bringing international stardom to Pittsburgh and offering Sidney Crosby a fitting farewell in his home arena.

Sports Predictions: Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates

Predicting the future of Pittsburgh’s major sports franchises:

1. Two more Super Bowls for the Steelers – Expected in the next few years.
2. Three more Cups for the Penguins – A realistic goal within the next decade.
3. One more World Series for the Pirates – The least likely, given current ownership priorities.

The Steelers and Penguins are set to improve, while the Pirates face uncertain prospects due to less sports-conscious leadership.

Sidney Crosby Owning the Penguins

If Crosby were to take ownership, his presence would differ from Mario Lemieux’s due to Crosby’s down-to-earth nature and active involvement in the community. Crosby’s humility and approachability make him relatable to fans and players.

Crosby’s significant game time and expected continued involvement ensure he remains a central figure, unlike Lemieux’s reclusive post-playing career.

A Regrettable Question

One inquiry stands out as regrettable. Asking Ruslan Fedotenko why he didn’t grow a playoff beard led to a personal disclosure about radiation exposure from the Chernobyl disaster. This sensitive information underscores the importance of thoughtful questions.

Respecting player privacy and personal histories is essential in sports journalism.

Travel Tip: Checking Bags vs. Carry-Ons

Traveling light isn’t easy for chronic over-packers, but it’s often necessary. Lengthy trips require checking bags, but shorter journeys can be made more comfortable with carry-ons.

Effective packing strategies ensure you’re prepared without overburdening yourself.

Thanks for reading, everyone. Stay tuned for more Penguins coverage after Tuesday’s practice sessions.

(Top photo of Sidney Crosby and center Evgeni Malkin: Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images)