Pair Of Young Penguins Forwards Expected To Crack Opening Night Roster originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Penguins could inject some youth into their lineup next season.
Pittsburgh made the postseason last season and is led by its veteran core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson, among others. Heading into the offseason, the Penguins are expected to make some additions to the forward and defense.
Yet, Penguins insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic believes Rutger McGroarty and Avery Hayes will likely crack the Opening Night roster next season.
“Söderblom will probably find his way into the lineup, though I’m not sure the way he produced last season is an indication of things to come,” Yohe wrote in an article published on June 10. “Maybe it is, but I still need to see more. I think Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty are good bets to make the team in September. … One thing is certain: The Penguins’ bottom-six forwards will be extremely deep.”
McGroarty appeared in 24 games last season, recording three goals and three assists for six points. Pittsburgh acquired the 22-year-old in August of 2024 for fellow former first-round prospect Brayden Yager.
Hayes, meanwhile, recorded five goals in 16 games as the undrafted 23-year-old signed with Pittsburgh in March of 2025.
The NHL offseason will begin with the NHL Draft on June 26-27 in Buffalo, with free agency opening up on July 1.
More NHL:
