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Insider Reveals Changes Likely Coming to Penguins Lineup Ahead of Training Camp
Penguins analyst Josh Yohe believes that Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas is on the verge of making additional changes to the Penguins lineup before Camp.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are clearly in a period of transition, as they are not expected to come anywhere near close to realistically competing for a playoff spot this year.
It will also be another year closer to the inevitable retirement of both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the latter of whom is likely ready to hang up the skates next summer after what will be the last year of his current contract.
The Penguins are also said to be actively shopping forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust along with defenseman Erik Karlsson, and team analyst Josh Yohe of The Athletic believes that the current lineup is likely to change in the next few weeks.
I wouldn't exactly call it a Stanley Cup-caliber group of forwards, but it's not that kind of group that would give the Penguins the best opportunity to land Gavin McKenna, the top 2026 NHL Draft prospect who will play next season at Penn State.
Still, I keep going back to what several team sources have told me: Dubas wants to go young next season.
As July turns into August and training camp is less than seven weeks away, remember those words.
Things are quiet at the moment. However, as we all know, that can change. A big trade or two feels likely before training camp.
Still, I keep going back to what several team sources have told me: Dubas wants to go young next season.
As July turns into August and training camp is less than seven weeks away, remember those words.
Things are quiet at the moment. However, as we all know, that can change. A big trade or two feels likely before training camp.
Penguins analyst Mark Madden recently ripped the Penguins
While appearing on a recent podcast, Penguins analyst Mark Masters of TribLive blasted Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas for having not traded either of Rakell or Rust yet.
I can't believe they're still both on the roster. And if they're both on the roster when the season starts, Kyle Dubas just doesn't get it. Although I think he does get it, I think one or both will be gone. I know people say you might be able to get more for them at the deadline, but the object isn't to get a lot for either. The object is to get them off the team, so that the team finishes as low as possible by way of getting a higher pick in the draft.
If Dubas can't find deals for either Rust or Rakell, they very well may start the year with them on the roster.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 2 | 51 ANSWERS Insider Reveals Changes Likely Coming to Penguins Lineup Ahead of Training Camp Which player is most likely to be traded by the Penguins? | ||
| Rickard Rakell | 12 | 23.5 % |
| Bryan Rust | 4 | 7.8 % |
| Erik Karlsson | 35 | 68.6 % |
| List of polls | ||