Ty Smith Projected To Make Penguins Roster

One of the biggest battles set to take place at Pittsburgh Penguins training camp is the fight for the blue line between P.O. Joseph and Ty Smith.

It’ll be the second straight camp where Joseph and Smith are duking it out for a role in the Penguins NHL lineup, but this year may have a different outcome.

During camp in 2022, it was almost certain that Smith would get the NHL call after looking like the better option over Joseph.

Smith, however, was sent to the AHL to not only start the season, but spend most of the year there as Joseph played his first full season at the NHL level.

Judging by ESPN’s fantasy projections, they believe Smith will have the upper-hand in cracking the roster.

ESPN laid out points projections for a good chunk of the Penguins’ lineup and Smith was given an outlook of 68 games played and 23 total points.

Joseph’s stat line, meanwhile, is completely blank despite playing in 75 games and recording 21 total points in 2022-23.

ESPN didn’t go too deep into their points projections, but giving the nod to Smith over Joseph is worth keeping a tab on.

Neither player enters camp this year with an upper-hand and both have an equal chance at making the opening night roster.