Penguins’ Forward Depth Shines, But Blue Line Could Prompt Deadline Move
The Pittsburgh Penguins are rolling, and a big reason why is their forward group - top to bottom, this is one of the most balanced and dangerous units in the league right now.
Let’s start with the obvious: Sidney Crosby’s top line continues to be a model of consistency. No surprises there.
But it’s the second line that’s grabbing headlines - and giving opposing coaches headaches. Evgeni Malkin, Tommy Novak, and Egor Chinakhov have found a chemistry that’s flat-out electric.
They’re driving play, generating high-danger chances, and playing with the kind of confidence that makes you double-check the scoreboard.
Then there’s the third line, which features rookie Ben Kindel centering Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau. Kindel, just 18, has handled the NHL stage like a seasoned vet.
He’s not just surviving - he’s contributing meaningfully on both ends of the ice. And the fourth line?
Quietly one of the most effective in hockey this season, bringing energy, physicality, and timely scoring.
That’s a full 12 forwards who are not just filling roles - they’re thriving in them. And behind that core group, the Penguins have options.
Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen are waiting in the wings. Koivunen’s had a tough season, but the organization still believes in his upside.
Kevin Hayes may have lost a step, but he’s still a capable depth piece if needed. Down in Wilkes-Barre, Tristan Broz and Avery Hayes are developing well and drawing positive reviews.
All of that adds up to one thing: Kyle Dubas doesn’t need to chase a forward at the trade deadline. He might still make a move if the right opportunity presents itself - that’s always on the table - but there’s no urgency. Same goes for the goaltending situation, which has quietly stabilized.
Blue Line Questions Loom
Now, the defense? That’s a different conversation.
Jack St. Ivany is out with a broken hand and won’t be back for up to eight weeks.
That’s a blow. Connor Clifton will step in, and while he’s shown improvement lately, the jury’s still out on whether he can be trusted in high-leverage postseason minutes.
Ryan Graves has been better this year, but there’s still some skepticism around how he’ll hold up when the games really tighten up.
Kris Letang, after a rocky start to the season, has turned things around in a big way. But his injury history is well-documented, and that always lingers in the back of your mind. As for the top defensive prospect Owen Pickering, his training camp didn’t exactly inspire confidence from the coaching staff, so he’s not expected to be a factor anytime soon.
Put all that together, and it’s not hard to see why the Penguins are likely to target a defenseman before the March 6 deadline - ideally a right-handed one. Behind Erik Karlsson and Letang, the right side of the defense starts to get murky.
Ironically, the left side - which was pegged as a potential weak spot coming into the season - has held up surprisingly well. Parker Wotherspoon and Ryan Shea have outperformed expectations, and Brett Kulak has settled in after a slow start, forming a solid pairing with Letang. Graves, while not fully trusted, has shown signs of improvement.
Still, the back end lacks a bit of certainty. Dubas isn’t expected to swing for a big-name blueliner, but a depth addition - especially a righty - feels like the most probable move as the deadline approaches.
Could Dubas Stand Pat?
On paper, it’s possible Dubas could stand pat. The forward group is humming.
The goaltending is solid. And the blue line, while banged up, should be healthy by playoff time.
But let’s be real - Dubas rarely sits still. Even if it’s not a blockbuster, most around the league expect him to make at least a minor move.
That’s just how he operates. And with the Penguins positioned to contend now without sacrificing their long-term plans, a smart, targeted addition on defense would make a lot of sense.
Skinner Seizing the Net
One of the biggest developments in recent weeks has been Stuart Skinner’s emergence as the Penguins’ clear-cut No. 1 goaltender.
Skinner has been lights out, allowing just 13 goals over his last eight games. That’s not just good - that’s elite. And while it’s fair to expect some regression (nobody stays that hot forever), Skinner’s recent run has made it clear: this is his crease right now.
Head coach Dan Muse broke from his goalie rotation and rode Skinner through the Penguins’ perfect 4-0 road trip. That says a lot.
Now, Skinner is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Penguins have 21-year-old Sergei Murashov developing in Wilkes-Barre, and he’s viewed as the goalie of the future.
But team sources say they’re open to bringing Skinner back - even if Murashov is ready to make the jump. They like Skinner’s demeanor, his work ethic, and how he fits in the room.
There’s a belief he could be a great mentor and tandem partner for Murashov.
The only potential snag? Money.
If Skinner keeps playing like this, he might price himself out of Pittsburgh. The Penguins will have over $50 million in projected cap space this summer, so they could afford him - but they’re not looking to spend big on a veteran goalie when they’ve got a young one coming up.
Still, the door is open. The trade that brought Skinner in gave Dubas flexibility.
He’s not locked into anything. If Skinner walks, no harm done.
But if he keeps playing like this, don’t be surprised if the Penguins try to keep him around.
Kindel Earning Respect
Ben Kindel’s breakout season isn’t just about what he’s doing on the ice - it’s also about how he’s carrying himself off it.
The 18-year-old has earned the respect of a locker room full of veterans, and that’s no small feat. It’s not easy for a teenager to walk into an NHL room and immediately fit in, but Kindel’s humility and maturity have made a big impression. Teammates love him, and coaches trust him.
Even during a recent 19-game goal drought, Kindel stayed impactful. His hockey IQ is off the charts, and he’s already one of the Penguins’ most reliable defensive forwards. That’s rare for someone his age.
The upcoming Olympic break couldn’t come at a better time for him. Kindel’s been logging heavy minutes in a compressed schedule, and the fatigue has shown. But a few weeks off should help him recharge, and the Penguins are confident he’ll come back even stronger for the stretch run.
Vintage Malkin, Recharged
Let’s take a moment to appreciate what Evgeni Malkin is doing right now.
Crosby continues to be Crosby - the standard of excellence, the Tom Brady of the rink. But Malkin?
He’s turning back the clock. After a few seasons where it looked like the decline had begun, Malkin has found another gear.
There’s a swagger to his game again. He’s skating with power, making plays with confidence, and driving his line like the elite center he’s always been. Inside the Penguins’ locker room, there’s a real sense of awe watching him play at this level again.
It’s not just nostalgia - it’s impact. Malkin’s resurgence has been a massive part of Pittsburgh’s success this season, and if he keeps this up, the Penguins are going to be a very tough out come playoff time.
Bottom Line
The Penguins are in a good spot. The forward group is deep and dynamic.
The goaltending is solidified. And while the blue line has some question marks, it’s nothing a smart deadline addition can’t help address.
Kyle Dubas has options - and flexibility. That’s a powerful combo. Whether he chooses to make a move or not, this team looks built for a serious run.