Examining Penguins’ Options to Play on Sidney Crosby’s Line
The Pittsburgh Penguins recently attempted to acquire veteran free-agent winger Vladimir Tarasenko to bolster their top-six forward group alongside Sidney Crosby. However, Tarasenko chose to sign a two-year, $9.5 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings. This move indicates that the Penguins are not fully satisfied with their top two lines as they approach a transitional season for the franchise. The Penguins have Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Michael Bunting returning next season and finished the last season with youngster Drew O’Connor replacing Jake Guentzel on the top line as Crosby’s left winger.
While O’Connor played well, he would ideally serve as a third-liner. Given the Penguins’ lack of cap space and focus on the future, their options for Crosby’s left winger next season are limited but worth exploring.
Trade Options
Nikolaj Ehlers: Ehlers has been underutilized by the Winnipeg Jets despite being one of their most effective players. He possesses the high-end skill and strategic thinking that has historically meshed well with Crosby. However, Ehlers is a year away from free agency, and his acquisition cost might be too high for the Penguins, who are pivoting towards acquiring draft picks and younger players. Given his age and recent injury history, it’s unlikely the Penguins will pursue and extend him long-term.
Patrik Laine: The 26-year-old has struggled with the Columbus Blue Jackets but remains an intriguing trade option. Laine, a former second-overall pick, has dealt with injuries but can still score when healthy. Despite a drop in production last season, Laine could thrive with a skilled center like Crosby. His defensive liabilities and inconsistent effort are concerns, but he would be the best pure goal scorer Crosby has ever played with.
Unrestricted Free Agent Options
Max Pacioretty: The 35-year-old Pacioretty is far removed from his days as a perennial 30-goal scorer due to injuries and age. Last season, he tallied four goals and 19 assists in 47 games, with nearly half his points coming on the power play. Pacioretty won’t be expensive on a one-year deal, but his body likely couldn’t handle the stress of playing almost 20 minutes a night next to Crosby.
James van Riemsdyk: Another former 30-goal scorer, van Riemsdyk, is coming off a decent offensive season with the Boston Bruins, posting 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 games. However, his pace is no longer suited for a top-six role, and he would likely be a non-factor in transition. While he could contribute on the power play, his lack of physicality at this stage makes him a better fit as a fourth-liner, a role the Penguins already have covered.
Internal Options
Drew O’Connor: O’Connor is coming off a career year with 16 goals and 17 assists in 79 games. While not a pure offensive player, he is fast, physical, and smart—traits reminiscent of Crosby’s former linemate Chris Kunitz. O’Connor might be the easiest and most cost-effective option for Pittsburgh if they don’t facilitate another transaction.
Brayden Yager: The Penguins’ 2023 first-round pick is coming off an impressive season with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, posting 35 goals and 60 assists in 57 games. While likely a season or two away from being NHL-ready, Yager could be given a nine-game audition to showcase his potential. If he impresses in training camp, he might earn a spot alongside Crosby for at least a few games.
Crosby’s Next Winger
Early in his career, the Penguins struggled to find a suitable linemate for Crosby but eventually struck gold with Jake Guentzel. With Guentzel now signed long-term in Tampa Bay, the Penguins face the challenge of finding new linemates for Crosby in the final stretch of his NHL career. While none of the available options are perfect, the Penguins will need to make some concessions heading into next season while keeping an eye on the future.
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