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# Top 35 Contenders for Penguins’ Opening Night Roster: Key Players to Watch As Pittsburgh Finalizes Its Lineup
As the Pittsburgh Penguins gear up for the 2023-24 NHL season, the excitement surrounding their opening night roster is palpable. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, this year’s team is set to make a significant impact. Below, we delve into the top 35 contenders for the Penguins’ opening night roster, examining key players to watch as they finalize their lineup.
## Key Players to Watch
### Forwards
1. **Sidney Crosby (C)**
– *Age*: 36
- *Height/Weight*: 6’3″, 200 lbs
– *Overview*: The heart and soul of the Penguins, Crosby remains a pivotal playmaker and leader on the ice.
2. **Evgeni Malkin (C)**
– *Age*: 37
– *Height/Weight*: 6’3″, 195 lbs
- *Overview*: Malkin’s offensive skills and experience are crucial for the Penguins’ success.
3. **Jake Guentzel (LW)**
– *Age*: 29
– *Height/Weight*: 5’11”, 180 lbs
– *Overview*: Known for his scoring ability, Guentzel is a consistent threat on the left wing.
4. **Bryan Rust (RW)**
– *Age*: 31
– *Height/Weight*: 5’11”, 192 lbs
– *Overview*: Rust brings speed and a solid two-way game, crucial for the Penguins’ offensive strategy.
5. **Reese Johnson (C)**
– *Age*: 26
– *Height/Weight*: 6’0″, 200 lbs
– *Overview*: Johnson’s physical play and work ethic make him a valuable asset, especially on the forecheck.
6. **Drew O’Connor (LW)**
– *Age*: 26
– *Height/Weight*: 6’3″, 185 lbs
– *Overview*: An emerging talent, O’Connor has shown flashes of brilliance in the AHL.
7. **Radim Zohorna (RW)**
– *Age*: 26
– *Height/Weight*: 6’6″, 220 lbs
– *Overview*: With his size and skill, Zohorna is a potential game-changer in the lineup.
8. **Colton Sceviour (RW)**
– *Age*: 34
– *Height/Weight*: 6’0″, 200 lbs
– *Overview*: A veteran presence, Sceviour brings experience and stability to the forward group.
9. **Sam Poulin (LW)**
– *Age*: 23
– *Height/Weight*: 6’1″, 200 lbs
– *Overview*: As a promising prospect, Poulin is looking to make his mark this season.
10. **Valtteri Puustinen (RW)**
– *Age*: 22
- *Height/Weight*: 5’10”, 185 lbs
– *Overview*: With strong AHL performances, Puustinen is a player to keep an eye on as he seeks a roster spot.
### Defensemen
11. **Kris Letang (D)**
– *Age*: 36
– *Height/Weight*: 6’0″, 201 lbs
– *Overview*: The anchor of the defense, Letang’s offensive contributions are vital to the Penguins’ game plan.
12. **Brian Dumoulin (D)**
– *Age*: 32
– *Height/Weight*: 6’4″, 210 lbs
- *Overview*: Dumoulin’s defensive prowess and experience are crucial for a balanced blue line.
13. **Marcus Pettersson (D)**
– *Age*: 27
– *Height/Weight*: 6’3″, 175 lbs
– *Overview*: Known for his skillful skating and defensive acumen, Pettersson is a reliable presence.
14. **John Marino (D)**
– *Age*: 26
– *Height/Weight*: 6’1″, 180 lbs
– *Overview*: A two-way defenseman, Marino can contribute to both ends of the ice.
15. **P.O. Joseph (D)**
– *Age*: 24
– *Height/Weight*: 6’2″, 205 lbs
– *Overview*: An up-and-coming talent, Joseph is looking to solidify his role on the team.
16. **Chad Ruhwedel (D)**
– *Age*: 33
– *Height/Weight*: 6’0″, 190 lbs
– *Overview*: A steady presence, Ruhwedel provides depth and experience to the defensive lineup.
17. **Mark Friedman (D)**
– *Age*: 28
– *Height/Weight*: 5’11”, 197 lbs
– *Overview*: Known for his physical play, Friedman can add grit to the back end.
### Goalies
18. **Tristan Jarry (G)**
- *Age*: 28
– *Height/Weight*: 6’2″, 185 lbs
– *Overview*: The starting goalie, Jarry’s performance will be critical for the Penguins’ success.
19. **Alex D’Orio (G)**
- *Age*: 25
– *Height/Weight*: 6’3″, 185 lbs
– *Overview*: A young goaltender, D’Orio is looking to establish himself as a reliable backup.
20. **Casey DeSmith (G)**
– *Age*: 32
– *Height/Weight*: 6’0″, 184 lbs
– *Overview*: With previous NHL experience, DeSmith provides a solid option in goal.
## Additional Contenders
These players are also in the mix as the Penguins finalize their opening night roster. Their performances in training camp and the preseason will be closely monitored.
21. **Alex Nylander (RW)**
– *Overview*: A skilled forward who can add depth to the Penguins’ offensive unit.
22. **Nathan Legare (RW)**
– *Overview*: A promising young talent who has shown potential in the AHL.
23. **Lukas Bengtsson (D)**
– *Overview*: A smart defenseman with offensive upside.
24. **Tyler Alosio (C)**
– *Overview*: A versatile forward who can play multiple roles.
25. **Jordan Frasca (RW)**
– *Overview*: A player to watch who has impressed during camp.
26. **Ke’Andre Miller (D)**
– *Overview*: An emerging defensive talent with solid two-way skills.
27. **Ryan Poehling (C)**
– *Overview*: A forward with size and skill, adding depth to the center position.
28. **Seth Rorabaugh (D)**
– *Overview*: A dependable option on the blue line.
29. **Nick Bonino (C)**
– *Overview*: A veteran forward with playoff experience.
30. **Jonathan Gruden (LW)**
– *Overview*: A young forward looking to make a name for himself.
31. **Justin Almeida (C)**
- *Overview*: An intriguing prospect with offensive talent.
32. **Hugo Alvarado (D)**
- *Overview*: A defenseman with potential to contribute at the NHL level.
33. **Evan Rodrigues (RW)**
– *Overview*: A versatile player capable of filling multiple roles.
34. **Ben Chiarot (D)**
– *Overview*: A physical presence on the blue line.
35. **Kurtis MacDermid (D)**
– *Overview*: Known for his toughness and defensive skills.
## Benefits of Following Penguins’ Roster Changes
Keeping track of the Penguins’ roster decisions not only enhances your understanding of the team’s strategy but also enriches your experience as a fan. Here are some benefits:
– **Enhanced Game Experience**: Knowing the players allows you to appreciate their contributions during games.
– **Fantasy Hockey Insights**: If you participate in fantasy leagues, understanding player roles can inform your draft choices.
– **Engagement in Discussions**: Being informed about roster updates invites more engaging conversations with fellow fans.
## Final Thoughts
As the Pittsburgh Penguins finalize their roster for the opening night, the competition remains fierce. The blend of veteran experience and youthful energy creates a dynamic environment that could propel the team to new heights this season. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching how these contenders perform as the season approaches.
