Penguins Five-Deep Depth Chart

With a lull in roster activity, not to mention fresh ideas for articles, I thought I’d take a look at the Penguins’ depth chart as things currently stand.

Following a spate of free-agent signings, the Pens easily go five-deep and then some at each roster position. I’m not even including the likes of forward hopefuls Tristan Broz, Avery Hayes and Filip Hållander, who didn’t re-cross the pond just to skate for the Baby Pens. Add perennial prospect Sam Poulin, intriguing addition Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and popular heavyweight Boko Imama to that bunch?

Our Pens boast in excess of five NHL viable forward lines.

Things are considerably more sketchy on defense, where quantity most assuredly doesn’t equal quality, particularly on the rag-tag left side. For the purposes of sticking with the five-deep format, Caleb Jones, signed to a two-way deal, didn’t make the cut. For balance, I shifted Ryan Shea to his off (right) side, where he has a fair amount of experience.

I’m instantly reminded that one of the raps on Kyle Dubas in Toronto was his inability to construct an effective defense. Based on last season’s dismal performance by our blueliners and the underwhelming status of our current crew, I’m beginning to understand why.

Keep in mind, all this depth could be fleeting. Top-line mainstays Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, not to mention Erik Karlsson, are rumored to be available for the right return. Perhaps veteran depth players such as Danton Heinen, Kevin Hayes and Noel Acciari, too.

Moving any or all of these guys could have a significant impact on our roster.

Still, the following depth chart presents an interesting snapshot of where we are at the moment.