Penguins facing a major logjam at forward

The Pittsburgh Penguins have plenty of depth up front heading into the 2026-27 season. However, having too many NHL-caliber forwards can create problems of its own. The forward logjam leaves management with difficult decisions before the regular season begins.

Pittsburgh already has an established group that could fill nearly every opening-night spot. At the same time, young forwards could push for opportunities in training camp. With so many players competing for limited jobs, Pittsburgh could have difficult roster decisions to make.

Penguins already have a crowded lineup

Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell remain established core pieces of Pittsburgh's forward group. Ben Kindel, Andrei Kuzmenko, Egor Chinakhov, and Tommy Novak are also expected to occupy significant roles.

Pittsburgh's fourth line was quietly one of its biggest strengths last season. Blake Lizotte, Connor Dewar and Noel Acciari formed an effective unit, but Acciari signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in free agency. Elmer Soderblom played well when given an opportunity and will likely take Acciari's spot alongside Lizotte and Dewar this season.

That leaves very few openings with the fourth line solidified.

Justin Brazeau could be on the bubble

Justin Brazeau is one veteran who could find himself fighting for a roster spot despite coming off the best regular season of his NHL career.

Brazeau recorded career highs with 17 goals, 17 assists and 34 points across 64 games in 2025-26. However, he was healthy scratched during the playoffs, raising questions about where he stands entering this season.

The 6-foot-6 winger provides size and scoring ability, but the Penguins' deep forward depth means his career year does not guarantee him a consistent role.

Young Penguins will push for roster spots

Ville Koivunen is perhaps the most interesting name in Pittsburgh's crowded group. The Penguins signed him to an eight-year, $32 million extension this offseason, but Kyle Dubas has made it clear that he still has to earn his opportunity.

Koivunen recorded two goals and seven points in 39 NHL games last season. As the centerpiece prospect acquired in the 2024 Jake Guentzel trade, Pittsburgh would like to see him take a big step.

Rutger McGroarty, Filip Hallander, Hendrix Lapierre, Avery Hayes, Tristan Broz and Tanner Howe will also have opportunities to push for roster spots. A strong training camp from any of these young forwards could make an already difficult numbers game even more complicated.

Penguins could eventually make a trade

Ultimately, the Penguins need to get younger. While Pittsburgh wants to remain competitive during its rebuild, the organization also needs to inject more youth into the lineup. Creating opportunities for its younger forwards will allow the Penguins to evaluate what they have and determine which players can become part of their long-term future.

Finding those opportunities could become easier as the season progresses. The direction of the season could eventually force Kyle Dubas to make some difficult decisions. If the Penguins fall out of the playoff race by the trade deadline, veterans such as Rakell or Rust, among others, could become trade candidates. Moving veterans would not only allow Pittsburgh to acquire additional assets, but also open roster spots for younger players to receive meaningful NHL opportunities.