Penguins' Youth Movement Gains Momentum with Promising “Kid Line” Debut
It’s been a long time since the Pittsburgh Penguins could talk about a real youth infusion - not just a prospect here and there, but a wave of young talent making a tangible impact at the NHL level. That tide might finally be turning.
On Monday night in Philadelphia, top prospect Rutger McGroarty made his NHL debut in a 5-1 win over the Flyers - and didn’t just blend in. He became the 10th rookie to suit up for the Penguins this season, the most of any team in the league.
And he wasn’t alone. McGroarty joined fellow rookies Ben Kindel, Joona Koppanen, Ville Koivunen, and Harrison Brunicke on Pittsburgh’s active roster, with Kindel and Koivunen flanking him on the third line.
The result? A glimpse of what could be a very exciting future for the Penguins.
Early Chemistry, Immediate Impact
Head coach Dan Muse didn’t hesitate to throw the “kid line” into the fire. McGroarty, Kindel, and Koivunen took regular shifts at five-on-five before special teams play started to chop up the rhythm. And they didn’t look like a trio playing together for the first time.
According to Moneypuck, the line posted a 68.1% expected goals share - a dominant showing by any standard, let alone for three rookies skating together for the first time in the NHL. Individually, McGroarty ranked fourth on the team in expected goals (0.48), trailing only Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, and Tommy Novak.
That’s not just encouraging - it’s eye-opening.
McGroarty spoke postgame about the connection he felt with his linemates. “They’re just two really smart players who know where to put themselves on the ice,” he said.
“If I find an open area, I know they’re going to find me.” He had a couple of solid chances in the first period alone and was quick to credit his linemates for setting him up.
The Skill Sets Are There
On paper, this line makes a lot of sense. McGroarty brings a mix of size, smarts, and finishing ability - the kind of player who can anchor a line and produce consistently.
Kindel, just 18, already shows flashes of high-level hockey IQ, strong forechecking instincts, and elite passing touch. Koivunen adds the vision, creativity, and puck-handling to complement both.
It’s early, yes - one game doesn’t define a line. But it’s not just about the numbers.
It’s about how they looked. They played with pace, poise, and purpose.
They were responsible in the defensive zone and dangerous in transition. And they gave the Flyers fits.
Muse saw it, too. “They didn’t look like it was their first time playing together,” he said. That’s not coach-speak - that’s a coach seeing something real.
The Penguins’ Third-Line Legacy
Historically, when Pittsburgh has been at its best, it’s had a third line that could tilt the ice. Think Jordan Staal, Matt Cooke, and Tyler Kennedy in the late 2000s.
Or the HBK line - Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino, and Phil Kessel - during the back-to-back Cup runs in 2016 and 2017. Those lines weren’t just good; they were difference-makers.
Since then? The Penguins have had moments, but not a third line that consistently changed games. If this young trio can grow into that role, it would be a game-changer - not just for depth, but for the way Pittsburgh matches up night in and night out.
The Penguins are always better when they can roll four lines, and having a dangerous third unit makes life a lot harder for opposing coaches trying to find favorable matchups.
Youth, Veterans, and the Bigger Picture
McGroarty is 21. Koivunen is 22.
Kindel is still a teenager. There’s a long road ahead, and development isn’t always linear.
But the foundation is there. And what makes this even more compelling is how these young players are starting to blend into a roster still led by veterans like Crosby, Evgeni Malkin (should he re-sign), Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell.
That mix - a core of proven champions mentoring and playing alongside a new generation - is exactly what you want if you’re trying to extend a competitive window without bottoming out.
A Glimpse Into the Future
McGroarty summed it up well after the game: “Getting to play with Kindy… I mean, I’ve been watching him, and I was excited to maybe have the opportunity to play with him at one point, and [Monday] was the night. So, that was a lot of fun.”
It’s just one game. But sometimes, that’s all you need to start seeing the bigger picture. The Penguins’ “kid line” may still be in its infancy, but if Monday was any indication, this group might not just be a fun story - they could be a real factor in Pittsburgh’s playoff push.
And for a franchise that’s leaned on its stars for so long, that’s a welcome - and much-needed - development.