Pittsburgh Penguins Prepare for 2025-26 NHL Season
As the Pittsburgh Penguins gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, their roster is taking shape ahead of final game preparations. On Thursday, the team made significant roster adjustments following practice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex located in Cranberry, Pennsylvania.
Roster Adjustments and Injuries
Notably, both forward Bryan Rust and defenseman Jack St. Ivany were placed on injured reserve, adding to the team’s ongoing injury woes. A total of five players were reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for AHL training camp, which includes:
- D Scooter Brickey
- F Mathieu De St. Phalle
- G Taylor Gauthier
- F Aidan McDonough
- D Chase Pietila
Additionally, six players were placed on waivers, which could allow them to be claimed by other teams. This group consists of:
- D Sebastian Aho
- F Danton Heinen
- D Philip Kemp
- F Joona Koppanen
- G Filip Larsson
- F Valtteri Puustinen
Of particular note is Danton Heinen, who recently returned to the Penguins after a trade involving Marcus Pettersson. Heinen has a notable history with the team, tallying 29 goals and 66 points across 169 games in two separate tenures.
Current Roster Overview
The Penguins’ injury list is becoming a pressing concern as they prepare for the season, notably with Bryan Rust now sidelined for a period due to injury. With camp participants being reduced, the roster currently features 39 players, a mix of seasoned veterans and young talent.
The player breakdown consists of:
- 22 forwards
- 13 defensemen
- 4 goaltenders
High-profile forwards include Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Robby Fabbri, while the defensive lineup features established players like Kris Letang and veteran Matt Dumba. The goaltender pool remains competitive, with Tristan Jarry currently vying for starting duties along with Filip Larsson and others.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Pittsburgh Penguins are poised to play their final pre-season game against the Buffalo Sabres this Friday, after which key decisions will shape their final roster for the upcoming regular season. Fans can stay updated on player movements, features, and the latest team news through the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ sections on various news platforms.
