The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to become the first NHL team to three-peat since the New York Islanders won four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1980-83.
Key players like centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have played a lot of games the past two seasons, and Pittsburgh's depth took some hits during the offseason.
The biggest loss arguably came shortly after free agency opened July 1, when center Nick Bonino signed a four-year, $16.4 million contract with the Nashville Predators, who the Penguins defeated in six games in the Stanley Cup Final. General manager Jim Rutherford said Pittsburgh might find Bonino's replacement at third-line center through a trade.
"We've talked about enough different things that I'm confident we'll get somebody," Rutherford said.
Losing veteran forwards Chris Kunitz, who signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 1 after playing the past nine seasons in Pittsburgh, and Matt Cullen, who signed with the Minnesota Wild on Aug. 16, also depleted Pittsburgh's depth. To add some physicality, the Penguins acquired forward Ryan Reaves and the No. 51 pick (defenseman Zachary Lauzon) in a trade from the St. Louis Blues at the 2017 NHL Draft on June 23 for forward Oskar Sundqvist and the No. 31 pick.
By trading Sundqvist, the Penguins let go of a player some expected to step in as fourth-line center sooner rather than later. With Cullen, 40, deciding against retiring but opting to leave Pittsburgh, there could be some instability among the bottom-six forwards, at least early in the season.
"I think it's important now that we don't panic," Rutherford said. "I've talked to [coach Mike Sullivan] about this and he says, 'As long as I have my two big guys [Crosby and Malkin] healthy, I can work around anything early in the season.'"
The Penguins also took some hits on defense. Trevor Daley (Detroit Red Wings), Ron Hainsey (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Mark Streit (Montreal Canadiens) each signed with another team as an unrestricted free agent. Matt Hunwick is being counted on to step into a regular role after signing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.25 million July 1. Hunwick had 19 points (one goal, 18 assists) in 72 games for the Maple Leafs last season.
Although the departure of Daley, who had 41 points (11 goals, 30 assists) in 109 games during two seasons in Pittsburgh, is a sizable loss, the Penguins retained defensemen Justin Schultz, who signed a three-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million July 1, and Brian Dumoulin, who avoided arbitration by agreeing to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.1 million July 24.
Re-signing Schultz was vital for the Penguins. With Kris Letang battling injuries throughout the season, Schultz's 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) led Pittsburgh defensemen.
"I want to be here," Schultz said. "This is where I like to play. I'm having so much fun here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Letang, who had season-ending neck surgery April 13, worked with former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens during the summer and is expected to be ready when the Penguins begin the regular season Oct. 4 against the Blues. He had 34 points (five goals, 29 assists) in 41 games last season.
Losing Daley and Bonino could have the greatest impact on the ice, but the departure of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft on June 21 likely was the most notable of the offseason for the Penguins. With Fleury gone, Matt Murray should see his workload increase after starting 47 games in 2016-17.
Antti Niemi signed a one-year, $700,000 contract July 1 to back up Murray. Tristan Jarry, who backed up Fleury early in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs while Murray recovered from a lower-body injury, could play during the regular season, Rutherford said.
"We felt it was important to add a veteran backup goalie at this point in time," Rutherford said, "and that it would help Jarry's development."
The biggest loss arguably came shortly after free agency opened July 1, when center Nick Bonino signed a four-year, $16.4 million contract with the Nashville Predators, who the Penguins defeated in six games in the Stanley Cup Final. General manager Jim Rutherford said Pittsburgh might find Bonino's replacement at third-line center through a trade.
"We've talked about enough different things that I'm confident we'll get somebody," Rutherford said.
Losing veteran forwards Chris Kunitz, who signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 1 after playing the past nine seasons in Pittsburgh, and Matt Cullen, who signed with the Minnesota Wild on Aug. 16, also depleted Pittsburgh's depth. To add some physicality, the Penguins acquired forward Ryan Reaves and the No. 51 pick (defenseman Zachary Lauzon) in a trade from the St. Louis Blues at the 2017 NHL Draft on June 23 for forward Oskar Sundqvist and the No. 31 pick.
By trading Sundqvist, the Penguins let go of a player some expected to step in as fourth-line center sooner rather than later. With Cullen, 40, deciding against retiring but opting to leave Pittsburgh, there could be some instability among the bottom-six forwards, at least early in the season.
"I think it's important now that we don't panic," Rutherford said. "I've talked to [coach Mike Sullivan] about this and he says, 'As long as I have my two big guys [Crosby and Malkin] healthy, I can work around anything early in the season.'"
The Penguins also took some hits on defense. Trevor Daley (Detroit Red Wings), Ron Hainsey (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Mark Streit (Montreal Canadiens) each signed with another team as an unrestricted free agent. Matt Hunwick is being counted on to step into a regular role after signing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.25 million July 1. Hunwick had 19 points (one goal, 18 assists) in 72 games for the Maple Leafs last season.
Although the departure of Daley, who had 41 points (11 goals, 30 assists) in 109 games during two seasons in Pittsburgh, is a sizable loss, the Penguins retained defensemen Justin Schultz, who signed a three-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million July 1, and Brian Dumoulin, who avoided arbitration by agreeing to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.1 million July 24.
Re-signing Schultz was vital for the Penguins. With Kris Letang battling injuries throughout the season, Schultz's 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) led Pittsburgh defensemen.
"I want to be here," Schultz said. "This is where I like to play. I'm having so much fun here. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Letang, who had season-ending neck surgery April 13, worked with former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens during the summer and is expected to be ready when the Penguins begin the regular season Oct. 4 against the Blues. He had 34 points (five goals, 29 assists) in 41 games last season.
Losing Daley and Bonino could have the greatest impact on the ice, but the departure of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft on June 21 likely was the most notable of the offseason for the Penguins. With Fleury gone, Matt Murray should see his workload increase after starting 47 games in 2016-17.
Antti Niemi signed a one-year, $700,000 contract July 1 to back up Murray. Tristan Jarry, who backed up Fleury early in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs while Murray recovered from a lower-body injury, could play during the regular season, Rutherford said.
"We felt it was important to add a veteran backup goalie at this point in time," Rutherford said, "and that it would help Jarry's development."
The Pittsburgh Penguins will enter this season looking to three-peat as Stanley Cup champions. Although they feel they are in position to become the first team to achieve that feat since the New York Islanders won four straight from 1980-83, there are a few questions they must answer if they are to hoist the Stanley Cup a third straight season.
1. Will Kris Letang bounce back from neck surgery?
Before undergoing season-ending neck surgery to repair a herniated disc April 13, Letang said he was confident his teammates could win the Stanley Cup without him. He was eventually proven right, but it's unlikely the Penguins could go all the way this season without Letang healthy and at least near his peak.
Letang, one of the more explosive offensive defensemen in the NHL, had 34 points (five goals, 29 assists) in 41 games last season. With defensemen Trevor Daley, Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit signing elsewhere during the offseason, the Penguins will need Letang to stay healthy and produce in 2017-18.
Unlike when they entered last season with their Stanley Cup-winning roster nearly intact, the Penguins lost several key members of their 2017 championship team in the offseason. In addition to Daley, Hainsey and Streit, forwards Nick Bonino, Chris Kunitz and Matt Cullen left in free agency, and their departures have not been fully addressed.
Without Bonino and Cullen, who played third- and fourth-line center last season, the Penguins lack the quality depth that helped them win the past two championships. General manager Jim Rutherford has said Bonino's replacement could come in a trade after the season begins.
3. Will Matt Murray hold up?
Having won the Stanley Cup twice as a rookie, Murray unquestionably is one of the best young goalies in the NHL, but he never has played more than 49 games in the regular season.
That should change this season, when Murray plays without goalie Marc-Andre Fleury backing him up. There's no reason to doubt he will be fine without his mentor after going 41-12-5 with a 2.32 goals-against average and .925 save percentage in 62 games in his first two NHL seasons.
Still, with Antti Niemi as the backup instead of Fleury, Murray's role should increase even more than it did last season, when he became the definitive starter.
"We had a unique relationship, for sure, but a great one," Murray said of Fleury. "He did a lot for me, for sure."
Before undergoing season-ending neck surgery to repair a herniated disc April 13, Letang said he was confident his teammates could win the Stanley Cup without him. He was eventually proven right, but it's unlikely the Penguins could go all the way this season without Letang healthy and at least near his peak.
Letang, one of the more explosive offensive defensemen in the NHL, had 34 points (five goals, 29 assists) in 41 games last season. With defensemen Trevor Daley, Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit signing elsewhere during the offseason, the Penguins will need Letang to stay healthy and produce in 2017-18.
Without Bonino and Cullen, who played third- and fourth-line center last season, the Penguins lack the quality depth that helped them win the past two championships. General manager Jim Rutherford has said Bonino's replacement could come in a trade after the season begins.
3. Will Matt Murray hold up?
Having won the Stanley Cup twice as a rookie, Murray unquestionably is one of the best young goalies in the NHL, but he never has played more than 49 games in the regular season.
That should change this season, when Murray plays without goalie Marc-Andre Fleury backing him up. There's no reason to doubt he will be fine without his mentor after going 41-12-5 with a 2.32 goals-against average and .925 save percentage in 62 games in his first two NHL seasons.
Still, with Antti Niemi as the backup instead of Fleury, Murray's role should increase even more than it did last season, when he became the definitive starter.
"We had a unique relationship, for sure, but a great one," Murray said of Fleury. "He did a lot for me, for sure."
1. Sidney Crosby's impactIt's hard to find a single statistic that best represents what Crosby means to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's the captain, plays big minutes, takes on top opponents in both zones, drives possession, and factors into the NHL scoring race every season.
However, Crosby's impact is quantified. It has been magnified under coach Mike Sullivan, who replaced Mike Johnston on Dec. 12, 2015. Since then, Crosby leads the NHL with 155 points (74 goals, 81 assists) in 127 regular-season games. His 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists) in 48 Stanley Cup Playoff games are tied with teammate Evgeni Malkin (16 goals, 30 assists).
The Penguins have outshot their opponents 2,079-1,622 at 5-on-5 with Crosby on the ice for an SAT of plus-457, seventh in the NHL in that span.
2. New No. 1 goalie
Goalie Matt Murray takes some of the edge off the loss of Marc-Andre Fleury to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.
In the past three seasons, Murray's .925 save percentage ranks second to Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens (.929) among goalies who played at least 50 games.
Though some goalies can have their numbers boosted by outside factors, that's not the case with Murray. There are a variety of ways that save percentage can be adjusted for variables such as manpower situation and shot location. But in each case, Murray's save percentage remains in the NHL's top three.
Manpower-adjusted save percentage (MASP) assumes a League-average ratio of shots at even-strength, on the power play and the penalty kill. From this perspective, Murray's save percentages of .933, .899 and .887 work out to an MASP of .925, which is second to Price (.929).
3. Optimized deployment
A key factor in the Penguins' success has been placing skilled players into the right roles. A good example is defenseman Justin Schultz, who was acquired in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers on Feb. 27, 2016.
Schultz struggled to that point of his NHL career. He had 101 points (28 goals, 73 assists) in 248 games, 40th among NHL defensemen in that span, and his minus-78 ranked last. Since being acquired by the Penguins, Schultz has 59 points (13 goals, 46 assists) in 96 games and is plus-34, which rank 10th and sixth.
The key was to transition Schultz into a more offensive-minded assignment. Since joining the Penguins, he has started 529 of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone and 408 in the defensive zone for a zone-start percent of 56.46 that ranks first among the eight Penguins defensemen to have played at least 20 games. His average of 2:40 per game on the power play is second to Kris Letang (3:48) and his average of 0:03 killing penalties ranks last.
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With forwards Jake Guentzel, Conor Sheary and Bryan Rust reaching the NHL in the past two seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins' prospect depth should have taken a sizable hit. But that hasn't been the case.
Two more forwards, Daniel Sprong and Zachary Aston-Reese, are expected to make an immediate impact once they find a permanent role in the NHL and could push Pittsburgh's youth movement even further.
"Aston-Reese and Sprong are both tracking very well," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "I think they're going to have a real impressive [training] camp, which will put themselves in the conversation of where they should start the season."
1. Daniel Sprong, F
How acquired: Selected with No. 46 pick in 2015 NHL Draft
Last season: Charlottetown (QMJHL): 31 GP, 32-27-59
Sprong (6-foot, 180 pounds) likely will receive his second chance in the NHL at some point this season, even if he doesn't win a job out of training camp. In 2015-16, Sprong scored two goals in 18 NHL games.
The 20-year-old is looking forward to fighting for a roster spot after spending the bulk of his past four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. With Pittsburgh losing forwards Nick Bonino, Chris Kunitz and Matt Cullen in free agency, Sprong has a good chance of winning one.
"It's just coming into camp and playing my way," Sprong said. "Just get the chances and make sure to take full advantage of it."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
2. Zachary Aston-Reese, C/F
How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent March 14
Last season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 10 GP, 3-5-8; Northeastern (NCAA): 38 GP, 31-32-63
Aston-Reese (6-0, 204) also will have a chance to make the Penguins with a strong training camp. Some in the organization have likened Aston-Reese to Pittsburgh forward Patric Hornqvist because of his tendency to play aggressively around an opponents' crease.
The 23-year-old said he has heard more comparisons to Kunitz.
"He was a college free agent too, and kind of a goal-scorer his last couple of years in college," Aston-Reese said. "He made a career for himself just playing with good guys and getting the puck in the net."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
3. Tristan Jarry, G
How acquired: Selected with No. 44 pick in 2013 NHL Draft
Last season: Pittsburgh: 1 GP, 0-1-0, 3.06 GAA, .880 save percentage; Wilkes-Barre Scranton (AHL): 45 GP, 28-15-1, 2.15 GAA, .925 save percentage
It's difficult to imagine a path Jarry could take to become the Penguins starter. No. 1 goaltender Matt Murray has won the Stanley Cup twice and is one year older than Jarry, 22.
But Jarry (6-2, 194) could become a future backup before possibly finding a starting role elsewhere. With veteran goalie Antti Niemi signing a one-year contract July 1 to be Murray's backup, Jarry could take over if Niemi doesn't remain in Pittsburgh past this season.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
4. Zachary Lauzon, D
How acquired: Selected with No. 51 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
Last season: Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL): 63 GP, 3-18-21
Lauzon (6-1, 187) felt fortunate to be selected by Pittsburgh in the second round June 24. The day before, the Penguins traded forward Oskar Sundqvist and the No. 31 pick for forward Ryan Reaves and the No. 51 pick, which they used to take Lauzon.
Pittsburgh has had recent success propelling young players to the NHL, including two-time Stanley Cup champion defensemen Olli Maatta and Brian Dumoulin. Lauzon, 18, is aware of that track record and hopes to reach Pittsburgh sooner rather than later.
"With the history of the young players coming in and helping with a big team, it's motivating because they draft you for a reason and they believe in you," Lauzon said.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
5. Filip Gustavsson, G
How acquired: Selected with No. 55 pick in 2016 NHL Draft
Last season: Lulea HF (Sweden): 15 GP, 4-10-0, 2.70 GAA, .912 save percentage
Like Jarry, it's hard to see Gustavsson (6-2, 184) starting for the Penguins in the near future. Despite that, his talent is undeniable.
The 19-year-old should continue to develop over the next few seasons. He could be a solution for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League once Jarry moves to the NHL.
Projected NHL arrival: 2019-20
"Aston-Reese and Sprong are both tracking very well," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "I think they're going to have a real impressive [training] camp, which will put themselves in the conversation of where they should start the season."
1. Daniel Sprong, F
How acquired: Selected with No. 46 pick in 2015 NHL Draft
Last season: Charlottetown (QMJHL): 31 GP, 32-27-59
Sprong (6-foot, 180 pounds) likely will receive his second chance in the NHL at some point this season, even if he doesn't win a job out of training camp. In 2015-16, Sprong scored two goals in 18 NHL games.
The 20-year-old is looking forward to fighting for a roster spot after spending the bulk of his past four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. With Pittsburgh losing forwards Nick Bonino, Chris Kunitz and Matt Cullen in free agency, Sprong has a good chance of winning one.
"It's just coming into camp and playing my way," Sprong said. "Just get the chances and make sure to take full advantage of it."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
2. Zachary Aston-Reese, C/F
How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent March 14
Last season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 10 GP, 3-5-8; Northeastern (NCAA): 38 GP, 31-32-63
Aston-Reese (6-0, 204) also will have a chance to make the Penguins with a strong training camp. Some in the organization have likened Aston-Reese to Pittsburgh forward Patric Hornqvist because of his tendency to play aggressively around an opponents' crease.
The 23-year-old said he has heard more comparisons to Kunitz.
"He was a college free agent too, and kind of a goal-scorer his last couple of years in college," Aston-Reese said. "He made a career for himself just playing with good guys and getting the puck in the net."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
3. Tristan Jarry, G
How acquired: Selected with No. 44 pick in 2013 NHL Draft
Last season: Pittsburgh: 1 GP, 0-1-0, 3.06 GAA, .880 save percentage; Wilkes-Barre Scranton (AHL): 45 GP, 28-15-1, 2.15 GAA, .925 save percentage
It's difficult to imagine a path Jarry could take to become the Penguins starter. No. 1 goaltender Matt Murray has won the Stanley Cup twice and is one year older than Jarry, 22.
But Jarry (6-2, 194) could become a future backup before possibly finding a starting role elsewhere. With veteran goalie Antti Niemi signing a one-year contract July 1 to be Murray's backup, Jarry could take over if Niemi doesn't remain in Pittsburgh past this season.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
4. Zachary Lauzon, D
How acquired: Selected with No. 51 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
Last season: Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL): 63 GP, 3-18-21
Lauzon (6-1, 187) felt fortunate to be selected by Pittsburgh in the second round June 24. The day before, the Penguins traded forward Oskar Sundqvist and the No. 31 pick for forward Ryan Reaves and the No. 51 pick, which they used to take Lauzon.
Pittsburgh has had recent success propelling young players to the NHL, including two-time Stanley Cup champion defensemen Olli Maatta and Brian Dumoulin. Lauzon, 18, is aware of that track record and hopes to reach Pittsburgh sooner rather than later.
"With the history of the young players coming in and helping with a big team, it's motivating because they draft you for a reason and they believe in you," Lauzon said.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
5. Filip Gustavsson, G
How acquired: Selected with No. 55 pick in 2016 NHL Draft
Last season: Lulea HF (Sweden): 15 GP, 4-10-0, 2.70 GAA, .912 save percentage
Like Jarry, it's hard to see Gustavsson (6-2, 184) starting for the Penguins in the near future. Despite that, his talent is undeniable.
The 19-year-old should continue to develop over the next few seasons. He could be a solution for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League once Jarry moves to the NHL.
Projected NHL arrival: 2019-20
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