Do the Penguins Still Have Holes to Fill?

I confess, I’m as excited as the next black-and-gold fan over the Penguins’ chances to reclaim at least some of their lost luster this season. From hiring heavyweight exec Kyle Dubas to run the show and culminating in the Erik Karlsson for a bag of used pucks…er…guys-we-didn’t-want blockbuster (and most transactions in between) it’s been a very successful summer for our flightless waterfowl.

However, now that the considerable afterglow of the Karlsson heist has faded a bit, I’m starting to wonder. Are we good to go as is? Or are there still holes to fill?

As much as I want to believe, looking at the team objectively I’d have to say the latter. Here are my top five areas of concern as we approach training camp.

Third-Line Center

Of all the moves Dubas made, I liked his signing of veteran center Lars Eller (for two years to boot) the least. Like many aging players, there’s been a notable drop-off in the 33-year-old’s play over the last couple of seasons, particularly in terms of offensive impact (10 goals, 23 points, 7.1 shooting percentage in 2022-23).

With the team already tethered to a badly diminished Jeff Carter, the absolute last thing we needed was to ink another veteran forward in decline to a multi-year deal.

And if the wheels fall off Eller’s wagon? The best we can do internally might be Drew O’Connor and/or former first-round pick Sam Poulin, wingers by trade who’ve yet to fully establish themselves at the more demanding center slot as pros.

Aging Top Six

Much has been made of our collective age, with good reason. No fewer than a dozen of the 22 players currently listed on our roster by CapFriendly are on the shady side of 30. Embedded in that bunch? Five of our top-six forwards, including franchise pillars and senior statesmen Sidney Crosby (36) and Evgeni Malkin (37) and high-profile newcomer Reilly Smith (32).

As a general rule, players peak in their mid-to-late 20s and begin to fade once they pass 30. A glance at the WAR charts of Smith and Bryan Rust would seem to support that notion.

Last season the stars aligned and we squeezed as much production from our aging but still ultra-effective top six as humanly possible, which each member registering at least 20 goals. Not to mention the fact that Sid and Geno both played a full 82-game slate for the first time in ages.

I’m no probability expert. But I’d say the odds of either happening again lie somewhere between slim and none.

And if Sid and /or Geno (or anyone else in the top six) misses significant time? It would likely set off a catastrophic chain reaction that could torpedo our playoff hopes.

Goaltending

Second on my list of least favorite moves this summer? Signing Tristan Jarry to a five-year deal with an AAV of $5.375 million.

At the risk of writing with a forked pen, I’ve always liked Jarry. However, the lone consistent element in his play has been inconsistency, along with a penchant for injuries. Obviously, something beyond his ability to control.

So, too, was the Pens’ defensive play in front of him, all too lax at times. You’ve gotta give your goalies some help. Far too often there was none forthcoming. Hopefully a situation that’ll be remedied with the addition of defensive-oriented bottom sixers like Eller, Matt Nieto and Noel Acciari, not to mention a huge upgrade on defense in Ryan Graves.

If Jarry falters or is injured? Things could get dicey. Alex Nedeljkovic was great for the ‘Canes in ’20-21, awful with the Red Wings the past two seasons. Say what you will about the departed Casey DeSmith, but he was a decent backup.

If Nedeljkovic flames out? We could be turning to the likes of journeymen Magnus Hellberg and Garret Sparks, or green and largely unproven rookie Joel Blomqvist between the pipes.

Probably not a recipe for success.

Bottom-Six Scoring

Dubas waded into the free-agent market and cast his net far and wide, landing no fewer than six new forwards (seven if you count PTO Austin Wagner) who could compete for bottom-six slots.

However, quantity doesn’t necessarily add up to quality. Aside from established NHLers Eller and Acciari, most of the newcomers are saddled with somewhat checkered resumes and have bounced between the bigs and the AHL. Players like Andreas Johnsson (20 goals in ’18-19) and Vinnie Hinostroza (16 tallies the same season) have had their moments. Just not enough to earn consistent employment.

Although the party line holds that all these guys need to do is prevent foes from scoring, what happens if our top-six experiences injuries and/or unexpected dips in performance a la Rust last season?

Exactly.

Third-Pairing D

Honestly, the least of my concerns, comparatively speaking. Blessed with great wheels, Pierre-Olivier Joseph has the potential to be a mobile, puck-moving defenseman. However, things get gummy for P-O in the battle areas, where his long stick and lean frame seem to work against him.

Other port-side options include Ty Smith and Will Butcher, like Joseph, known more for their offensive prowess than sturdy defense. On the flip side, recent PTO invitee Libor Hájek offers a stay-at-home presence but little else.

On the starboard side, Chad Ruhwedel’s been a steady-as-she goes depth defenseman for it seems like forever. He’s been a consistent play driver over the past few seasons as well. Yet questions remain about his ability to hold down a third-pairing slot full time.

Last season Chad was bumped aide by Jan Rutta, who he outperformed. This season? It appears PTO Mark Pysyk may have a shot at dislodging his former Sabres teammate. In the process providing a slight upgrade.

DISHONORABLE MENTION

Muscle

Yeah, I know. That’s not what this team is about. Hasn’t been since Mike Sullivan took over as coach some eight seasons ago.

Dubas has worked overtime to provide Sully with the speed-oriented roster he craves, with muscle a total afterthought (if that).

Still, you’ve got have some physicality. Recent Cup winners have proven that. To think otherwise is roughly akin to the proverbial ostrich sticking its head in the sand.

Competition

Despite our flaws, I do think we’re a better team. Problem is, a lot of our competitors have improved, too, including a few that haven’t qualified for the postseason in a while.

Young and uber-talented, I think the Sabres are a lock to make the playoffs. Detroit and Ottawa could qualify, too. Heck, maybe even the Blue Jackets.

For every outsider that gets in, a team that made it last season drops out of the mix. And remember, we were one of those outsiders.

Even with the Pens firing on all cylinders, it’ll be a dogfight to make the playoffs.

And if the those flaws I’m worried about are exposed?