Goaltending Competition at Penguins Training Camp
The competition for goaltending roles has become a focal point at the Pittsburgh Penguins’ training camp this year. Notably, the franchise made a significant move in July by sending Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks and welcoming 24-year-old Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks, who has shown promise during his initial outings. Meanwhile, young Russian goaltender Sergei Murashov continues to impress, building on acclaim from last season’s camp, leading observers to speculate about his star potential. Adding to the mix are seasoned players Tristan Jarry and Joel Blomqvist, who is currently sidelined due to a lower-body injury.
Filip Larsson: A Rising Talent
However, another goalie worth mentioning is Filip Larsson, a 27-year-old who may not be getting the recognition he deserves. Drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2016 (sixth round, 167th overall), Larsson showcased remarkable talent during his earlier career in Sweden and had a standout stint at the University of Denver in the 2018-19 season, where he recorded a 13-6-3 record along with a stellar .932 save percentage and a 1.95 goals-against average.
Though he faced challenges in the Red Wings organization in 2019-20, finishing with an .843 save percentage at the AHL level, Larsson rebounded by returning to Sweden from 2020 to 2024, where he consistently posted save percentages exceeding .920, including an impressive .929 during five playoff matches in 2024. This revival earned him a two-year contract with the Penguins last summer. Last season, while playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Larsson emerged as a key figure, demonstrating his talents until an injury hampered his performance. He concluded the season with a respectable .910 save percentage and a 12-9-3 record.
Looking Ahead: Pre-Season Ambitions
As the 2025 pre-season kicked off on Monday with the Penguins facing a shootout loss to the Canadiens, Larsson expressed his ambition to elevate his game this year. He recognizes the stiff competition, stating,
“I know I can play at that level, and, obviously, my goal is to take another step this year. I know there are a lot of really good goalies in the organization right now, so I’ve got to take my chance, wherever that might be.”
While Larsson is aware of his capabilities, he also acknowledges the areas he needs to improve, particularly in handling the puck—a skill he aims to refine further, as emphasized by Wilkes’ goalie coach Kain Tisi. Unlike younger counterparts such as Murashov, Silovs, and Blomqvist who have the luxury of time to develop, Larsson feels the pressing need to establish himself now, particularly as the Penguins pursue a return to playoff contention.
General Manager’s Insights and Upcoming Challenges
As anticipation builds, General Manager Kyle Dubas indicated during a pre-season press conference that the competition’s outcome would heavily influence the decision regarding the team’s starting goaltenders. Larsson’s journey will take its first test on Wednesday when the Penguins face the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7:00 PM ET. He is confident in his ability to read plays and maintain positioning, qualities he believes will give him an edge in the competitive landscape of NHL goaltending.
“I feel like I have that calmness to read plays really well and be in the right position all the time,”
Larsson asserted.
“I want to be in the right position every time. I feel like if I can continue doing that to be ahead of plays, that’s a huge play to get to the next step.”
With the new coaching staff and a fresh start, Larsson knows impressing during training camp and pre-season is critical to securing his future with the Penguins.
