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Rutger McGroarty, Michigan Wolverines (Michigan Photography)

Penguins’ Young Forwards Will Improve the Top-6 in 2025-26

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Sylvie McCarthy | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 8:35 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins are putting the finishing touches on another disappointing season . They will miss the playoffs for the third campaign in a row, and general manager Kyle Dubas knows it’s time to make major changes. He has already called up Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and will probably keep them in the lineup for the rest of the season. The team is gearing up for a busy offseason that will probably include some new faces and some changes to the lines.

Penguins’ Future Looks Promising

McGroarty and Koivunen have done well so far, and they could be permanent fixtures in the lineup next season. Koivunen is a smart player who does all of the little things right. He has good vision and always seems to find the perfect position. His ability to stay in front of the play and make smart decisions with the puck could make him an invaluable addition to the top six next season, especially if he continues to develop over the summer.

Because of injuries, McGroarty started the season in Pittsburgh but was promptly sent down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton so he could continue to develop and has improved in almost every area of his game with them this season. His skating has gotten significantly better from the beginning of the season, and he is good at getting to the front of the net. His first game back in Pittsburgh was on March 30 against the Ottawa Senators, when he played well in all three zones and looked like he belonged. He was fifth on the team in ice time at 16:57.

Penguins’ Lines Next Season

McGroarty is a versatile player who can play on both wings and has a strong defensive game, so he could fit anywhere in the lineup. However, expect to see a top line of McGroarty, Sidney Crosby, and Bryan Rust next season. Crosby has already developed chemistry with his new linemate, and the two complement each other well.

Tristan Broz is another young prospect to keep an eye on. He has been playing center all season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and with his strong skating and good puck movement, he could land in the bottom-six in Pittsburgh next season. The second line could also remain intact. Rickard Rakell bounced back this season and has shown early chemistry with Koivunen. Evgeni Malkin will more than likely remain the second-line center next season as it will be the final year on his contract.

The bottom six is where things will get interesting. Broz could be a solid depth player next season, and getting Tommy Novak and Philip Tomasino back into the bottom six should make a huge difference when it comes to production. Connor Dewar has also been making a case for himself as a strong depth player since he arrived in Pittsburgh last month. If the Penguins can get consistent scoring from their bottom six next season, they should make a return to the playoffs.

Penguins Have a Lot to Figure Out

It seems that Pittsburgh has been struggling with the same issues for a while now, and they need to figure out some solutions. A few of these solutions may very well be down in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Training camp will no doubt be a battle of the forwards as many younger players will be looking to earn a roster spot. Dubas knows he has to produce better results next season, and he will be working through the summer to make that happen.