The Penguins roster is moving towards more clarity. The cuts/reassignments have begun.

The Penguins have assigned the following players to their respective junior teams:
- Tanner Howe, Regina Pats (WHL)
- Finn Harding, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 25, 2024

There are still more changes to come, but we might not have to wait for them to come before getting a good idea of what Mike Sullivan wants to do with his lines and defense pairings. I happen to think the current practice lines are close to what we will see opening night.

Mike Sullivan said while they went to some familiar lines yesterday, they might change (today). That's the case:

O'Connor-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Eller-Puljujarvi (Glass)
Hayes-Lizotte-Acciari

Grzelcyk-Letang
Pettersson-St. Ivany
Graves-Shea
Ludvig-Aho

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) September 26, 2024

The top six looks to be what it is. This alignment isn’t very surprising at all. The third and fourth lines have a lot of competition and will have some volatility throughout the year. One of the constants will likely be Lars Eller on the third line barring he isn’t traded away for picks. Beauvillier was getting looks with Crosby earlier this camp and will have a good look at the beginning of the year to take the left wing spot on the third line. Jesse Puljujarvi and Cody Glass seem to be battling for the right wing spot. Puljujarvi has had a great camp so far and if he keeps it up I would give him the spot to start the year. If it plays out that way I would move Glass to the right side on the fourth line. I have minimal interest in Acciari earning a spot on a nightly basis. I think he and his 2M cap hit should be moved, if possible. Kevin Hayes is a bit of a wild card given his ability to play wing or center. I could see him moving all around the bottom six and I could even see him as a place holder for injuries with Crosby and/or Malkin even if it isn’t an ideal situation.

As for the defense it would be very surprising if Matt Grzelcyk isn’t with Kris Letang to start the year. Thankfully, I don’t think the Penguins view Ryan Graves as an option for the top four anymore. Neither Kris Letang or Erik Karlsson deserve to be anchored like that. Trying Grzelcyk with Letang might not yield fruit, but it is worth trying because Graves is a non-starter for those spots. I really like the Pettersson-Karlsson pairing and it looks like it will continue. Jack St. Ivany has the inside track on the right side of the third pairing while Ryan Graves will take the final spot whether it is merited or not, at least to start the year. I think St. Ivany has earned his look for the third pairing spot based on his play from last year and so far this camp.

The top six and the top four look like many of us thought it would. The bottom six and bottom pairing are taking shape and while there might be more clarity, those spots will have moving parts for the entire season. That’s the nature of having many players on the same tier competing for spots.

Thanks for reading!

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