The Pittsburgh Penguins wind down their training camp looking ahead to Opening Night on October 9 against the New York Rangers. As such, the Penguins will need to trim their roster down to 23 players ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
With plenty of potential NHL-caliber players vying for spots, the Penguins will need to make some tough choices among the final cuts. So, let’s take a look at four guaranteed players to be cut from the Pittsburgh Penguins’s final roster this preseason.
4 most probable Pittsburgh Penguins roster cuts to form 23-man regular season roster
#4. Valtteri Puustinen
Puustinen has gotten a long look at training camp this preseason. However, it seems that he may be squeezed out of a roster spot given the emergence of Jesse Puljujarvi. Plus, Drew O’Connor and Cody Glass are all in the mix for jobs.
As such, Puustinen may find himself in the AHL to start the season. Nevertheless, injuries may lead him back to the NHL at some point this season.
#3. Jack St. Ivany
St. Ivany has played well enough to earn a spot on the Pittsburgh Penguins’s roster this season. But there’s one thing that makes him a candidate to start the season in the AHL: He’s waiver-exempt.
So, the Pens may have no choice but to send him down to the AHL, especially if the club needs to be cap-compliant to start the season. Ultimately, regular playing time in the AHL could be the best fit for St. Ivany at this point.
#2. Harrison Brunicke
Brunicke is a highly touted prospect in the Penguins’ system. However, he’s still young and may need more seasoning before becoming a full-time NHLer. He’ll likely spend the entire season in the AHL, potentially getting a look at some point this season, especially if the Pens fall out of playoff contention.
#1. Rutger McGroarty
McGroarty earned a lot of hype this offseason. Thus far, he’s shown it’s warranted. Nevertheless, it seems McGroarty isn’t quite ready for a full-time NHL job. While McGroarty’s ceiling projects him as a top-six forward, there are aspects to his game that would benefit from a full year in the minors.
Fans should expect McGroarty to be among the final cuts unless last-minute injuries force the Pens to keep him on. McGroarty is waivers-exempt, making the decision that much easier.