Pittsburgh Penguins training camp begins this week, as the Penguins start Wednesday September 18th. Their first preseason game is this weekend on Saturday September 21st as the Penguins take on the Buffalo Sabres. The season starts in 22 days as the Penguins host the New York Rangers for the first game of the season.
With training camp, it is time for the players to get back into the groove of things, get back on the ice, and get ready for the season. Also, it is the first real time for coaches to see their new players for the first time and for the new players to gain chemistry with their new teammates and potentially line mates.
The Penguins have seven new players that will most likely begin the season on the roster and some will have significant roles. Each will play a different role and have certain expectations for not only this season, but long-term for the franchise.
Players to Watch in Penguins Training Camp
Sebastian Aho
Sebastian Aho joined the Penguins this season on a two-year $1.5 million dollar contract. Aho will most likely be the seventh defenceman on the roster resulting in a healthy scratch. However, he will still have plenty time due to injuries that will occur throughout the season. He may also see additional and more permanent playing time if Matt Grzelcyk (will be mentioned later) or Ryan Graves continue to struggle.
During the Penguins training camp, Aho should play with some determination and heart. Two years ago, Aho had the best season of his career in terms of offensive production (23 points) and all-around defence (+9 +/-) and then followed it up with the worst season of his career as he was a -7. To earn more playing time, Aho needs to step it up offensively while remaining an effective bottom six defenseman.
Matt Grzelcyk
Similarly to Aho, Matt Grzelcyk joined the Penguins but instead signed a one-year $2.75 million dollar contract. Grzelcyk has always been a solid defensive defenceman as his +/- has always been in the positives. However, his points and +/- did noticeably dip compared to last season.
During training camp, Grzelcyk will possess a starting role in the bottom six as will he during the season. To prove he belongs, he needs to gain chemistry with his line mate which would most likely be Jack St. Ivany or Aho.
Rutger McGroarty
McGroarty is the youngest and newest Penguin as he was a recent first round pick that was traded to the Penguins. He looks to not only compete for a roster spot, but also compete for the right to play alongside one of the best playmakers in the league and players of all-time in Sidney Crosby.
So far, McGroarty has impressed the coaching staff and front office as head coach Mike Sullivan and general manager Kyle Dubas have been pleased with what they have seen so far. The Penguins participated in the NHL Showcase Challenge a few days ago and in a 6-3 win over the Boston Bruins, McGroarty looked like one of the best players on the ice and had a goal and an assist to show for it.
In training camp, Penguins fans hope to see that continued success for McGroarty and he showcases that speed, IQ, and offensive abilities that tons of people have raved about including the Winnipeg Jets organization when they drafted him in the first round just two years ago. Also, during training camp, it will be interesting to see him play alongside Crosby and see if Crosby found his next great linemate.
Blake Lizotte
Blake Lizotte joined the Penguins on a two-year, $3.7 million dollar deal. Lizotte is a solid defensive forward who will be heavily relied on in the penalty kill. Some of his biggest strengths besides killing penalties are getting takeaways and not giving the puck away. He will most likely be playing left wing either on the third or fourth line.
In training camp, Lizotte hopefully will be a solid addition to the bottom six showcasing his speed and defensive skills. Also, in what has been a hopefully rejuvenated Penguins powerplay (will get into later), Lizotte will still make it difficult.
Kevin Hayes
The Penguins oldest acquisition this offseason was trading for veteran forward Kevin Hayes. Hayes hopes to rejuvenate his career in Pittsburgh after having the worst offensive season of his career. However, he had the best defensive season of his career since the 2017-18 season. He will be on the fourth line.
In training camp, Hayes should be a mentor as he is one of the few players on this team with at least ten seasons of experience and should mentor the younger guys like McGroarty. Also, Hayes hopefully can use training camp to find his offensive touch again while maintaining his defensive presence.
Cody Glass
This offseason, Penguins traded for another young forward in Cody Glass. Glass will compete for a bottom six roster spot. However, he will most likely be used as a depth option as a healthy scratch.
In training camp, Penguins coaches will like to see Glass compete and be physical with his 6’3, 206 lbs. frame. The Penguins lack in physicality and if Glass can provide that and then some, he should be a main staple in the bottom six.
Anthony Beauvillier
Last but not least is Anthony Beauvillier. He joined the Penguins this past offseason a one-year, $1.25 million dollar contract. He will be in the mix for a bottom six role most likely on the fourth line. However, Beauvillier had the worst season of his career offensively this past season with a mere total of 17 points. In addition, he has never been a solid defensive player in terms of +/- but based on his giveaway to takeaway ratio, maybe that is more due to his line mates and the teams he has been on.
David Quinn
In addition to the roster, there was a new addition to the coaching staff as David Quinn was brought in. Quinn’s responsibilities are coaching the defence and powerplay. Quinn also reunites with defenceman Erik Karlsson as Karlsson had his iconic 101 point season under Quinn in San Jose.
Quinn hopefully rejuvenate has been an abysmal powerplay the best two seasons and has an much improved offensive talent to do it. Last season, the Penguins had the third worst powerplay unit in the league at 15.3%. In training camp, hopefully the powerplay looks a lot better and should have heavy emphasis during training camp.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
