A New Outlook for the Pittsburgh Penguins

By acquiring defenseman Eric Karlsson, the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking sharper on the defensive end. This unique combination of Letang-Karlsson provides the team with a much-polished game that will thrive with the skating ability and offensive prowess of the two top defenseman in the league.

This also gives general manager Kyle Dubas more flexibility by clearing 3 million in cap space, and the ability to provide his team with two quality forwards in the top six that will complement the other half of the core four. 

It’s interesting that the cap hit is approximately eighty-three million, five-hundred thousand, and the Pens are still under it. This means a couple more moves are to be made to set the final roster - maybe one big one, or two modest signings are made by general manager Kyle Dubas.

What benefits the Pens is that they have the depth to play with a grittier demeanor due to their top-lines being so offensively sound. The scoring power will provide the team with ample amounts of opportunities to take control of games, but more importantly, it will help more with the added defensive refreshments too.

This outlook, for now, is a positive step towards attracting quality forwards that would be interested in winning a Stanley Cup. Dubas has already created that new culture in just a few short months. He has done a fine job being the face of the organization, and maintaining relationships with his players that will provide more motivation, knowing they have a man at the helm who wants to win just as badly. 

As a fan, I am looking forward to the combinations coach Mike Sullivan will be putting together to get the chemistry flowing and provide the team with different areas to attack and defend. This will be the sweet spot for the fans and to see how far this team can go. Will they finally be able to win a playoff series?

At the very least, we are going to see a fun team. Anytime you can pair three superstars with a FOURTH superstar, you are really building something. Can’t wait to watch!