The 2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins roster is shaping up to be a fascinating mix of established stars and promising young talent. With a stable core led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, the team's real intrigue lies in the players who will fill out the rest of the lineup. Here are five players who will be particularly captivating to watch this season, each bringing their own unique story and potential impact to the team.
Nick Robertson: The Finisher
Nick Robertson, a 25-year-old forward, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Penguins. With 45 goals in the last three seasons, Robertson is a proven goal-scorer. What's particularly intriguing is his comparison to Egor Chinakhov, who scored 37 goals in about 2.5 seasons with the Penguins. Robertson, despite averaging only 11-12 minutes per game in Toronto, has the finishing talent to make a significant impact in Pittsburgh. The Penguins' strategy of targeting young players who need a change of scenery to reach their potential could pay off handsomely with Robertson. If he can replicate Chinakhov's success, he'll become a core player and a key piece of the team's future.
Declan Carlile: The Defenceman
Declan Carlile, an undrafted free agent, is another young player looking for an opportunity. After three seasons in the AHL, Carlile got a chance to play in the NHL last season, appearing in 42 games. At 26 years old, Carlile has the size (6'3
