5 moves the Pittsburgh Penguins can make to get back to the playoffs

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 07: Members of the Pittsburgh Penguins acknowledge the crowd after a 2-1 overtime lose to the Washington Capitals in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) /

4 of 5

PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 07: Pittsburgh Penguins Right Wing Daniel Sprong (41) forechecks during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins on January 7, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Bruins 6-5 in overtime. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Youth movement

As a team, the Penguins are mostly pretty young.

However, they still could look to put some more youth into the lineup and that starts with Daniel Sprong. Sprong is the Penguins best forward prospect and is known for having a filthy shot. Here’s a clip of his wrist shot:

The release is just too good on it. Jim Rutherford said after the season that he’s likely to be on the team next year as they wanted him to work on his two-way game. They wanted Sprong to be better defensively down in Wilkes-Barre and while it can be debated by many if that’s a logical reason, he’s going to take the next step in camp. He’ll be used as a right wing in the lineup and can play on any line.

They’ll also have Zach Aston-Reese for a full season. He had four goals and six points in 16 regular season games last year. He was playing his best hockey until he got hurt which derailed him. He’ll likely be on the fourth line to start the season but he can definitely move up and play with Crosby or Malkin if need be.

There could be more youth coming for the Penguins in the near future as well as Jordy Bellerive will be on the way at some point and perhaps Ethan Prow if some injuries arise.

Home/NHL Free Agency