Three Specific Penguins Coming to Camp With 'Something to Prove'

The preseason opener for the Pittsburgh Penguins is just over a month away, and while expectations aren't high, there is still plenty to be interested in.

The top six forwards remain intact, and several bottom-six forwards have breakout producer potential. Defense and goaltending are the biggest concerns, with many players needing to prove themselves, but three of them really stand out.

Kris Letang is the biggest question mark on the blue line. Once one of the NHL's elite defensemen, his game struggled last season at both ends of the rink and on special teams.

At 38 years old, after undergoing offseason heart surgery, he's clearly lost a step. To remain effective, Kris Letang will need to lean on his hockey IQ, pick his spots, and rely more on positioning.

No longer the No. 1 defenseman he once was, he can still contribute meaningfully if he adapts.

Up front, Philip Tomasino is heading into a contract year following an up-and-down initial season in Pittsburgh. Brought in from Nashville last November, the 24-year-old forward scored 11 goals and 23 points in 50 games.

He showed top-six upside and was useful on the power play, but too frequently vanished when going through scoring slumps. For Kyle Dubas and the Penguins, consistency will be the key in 2025-26.

Connor Dewar, brought in from Toronto in March, made a good impression with four goals and seven points in 17 games.

A consistent forechecker and penalty killer, he looks like a good bottom-six contributor. The challenge will be whether he can maintain that over the course of a full season.

The Penguins are obviously rebuilding, but with new head coach Dan Muse, this year will not be devoid of purpose.

With veterans adjusting and youth battling to make their mark, Pittsburgh still has the ability to make significant strides.