Breaking down the Penguins' roster

The Penguins finalized their season-opening roster for the 2018-19 campaign Tuesday. Here is a player-by-player breakdown of the team seeking its third Stanley Cup title in four seasons.

(Note: All contract information is courtesy of Cap Friendly.)

Forwards

19 – Derick Brassard, C – A top-six center with most other NHL teams, Brassard will pivot the Penguins’ third line and help establish the deepest crew of centers in the league. He looked as if he was ready to adapt to the team’s aggressive style of play last season before a groin injury hobbled him in April and May. Fully healthy, he has shown signs during the preseason he is still capable of being the dangerous offensive weapon the Penguins traded for.

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2017-18 statistics: 72 games, 21 goals, 25 assists, 46 points
Age: 31
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 202 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $3 million salary cap hit (pending unrestricted free agent, modified no-trade clause)
Note: The Golden Knights have retained $2 million of Brassard’s salary cap hit.

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87 – Sidney Crosby, C – Now in his early 30s, Crosby remains the NHL’s top player. Personal and team successes have not sated Crosby as he enters the back nine of his career. He is determined to win another Stanley Cup title(s) before the window of opportunity for this team closes. Crosby realizes the likes of Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews have closed the gap, and as a result, he has worked even harder to remain this league’s dominant player.

2017-18 statistics: 82 games, 29 goals, 60 assists, 89 points
Age: 31
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 200 pounds
Contract: Seven years remaining, $8.7 million salary cap hit (no-movement clause)

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7 – Matt Cullen, C – The venerable and trustworthy Cullen returns for a swan song with the Penguins (assuming he doesn’t stave off retirement yet again). Coming off an unfulfilling season with the Wild, which was supposed to be his last campaign in the NHL, Cullen is back in hopes of claiming another championship ring. His role will be slightly different as he is expected to line up on the fourth-line left wing instead of his listed position of center. Such an assignment could spare the NHL’s oldest player some wear and tear, which the center position normally demands. Regardless, Cullen can still play center and will figure to provide a little offense as well as options with the penalty kill.

2017-18 statistics: 79 games, 11 goals, 11 assists, 22 points
Age: 41
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 202 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $650,000 salary cap hit (pending unrestricted free agent)

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38 – Derek Grant, C – Jim Rutherford made a shrewd signing in late July when he added Grant with a one-year deal at the league minimum. Coming off a breakout season in Anaheim where he filled in for injured centers Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler, Grant showed he is capable of playing important minutes with better players. It remains to be seen where he’ll fit in with the Penguins given the organization’s ample depth, particularly at center. He may start the season as a healthy scratch. Where ever he does play, he provides a larger body with scoring touch near the net as well as a responsible defensive presence.

2017-18 statistics: 66 games, 12 goals, 12 assists, 24 points
Age: 28
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 215 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $650,000 salary cap hit (pending unrestricted free agent)

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59 – Jake Guentzel, C – After breaking out with a spectacular performance during the 2017 postseason, Guentzel labored at times during his full NHL campaign of 2017-18. While he had solid production offensively, he struggled with consistency over the course of 82 games. He rediscovered his penchant for postseason exploits last spring by racking up 21 points in 12 contests. After a lengthy offseason in which he gained strength, Guentzel appears to be in a better position to withstand the rigors of a full NHL season. He will once again line up on Crosby’s left wing.

2017-18 statistics: 82 games, 22 goals, 26 assists, 48 points
Age: 23
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 180 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $734,167 salary cap hit (pending restricted free agent, entry-level contract)

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62 – Carl Hagelin, LW – Hagelin won’t stand out compared to his All-Star teammates, but his speed separates him from most of the roster. An ideal winger for the second line with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel, Hagelin uses his skating to force the opposition into mistakes and allows his All-Star linemates to rack up potent offensive totals. His speed also makes him one of the team’s top penalty killers. Entering the final year of his contract, he will presumably be motivated by the pursuit of a new multi-year deal.

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2017-18 statistics: 81 games, 10 goals, 21 assists, 31 points
Age: 30
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 186 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $4 million salary cap hit

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72 – Patric Hornqvist, RW – Armed with a new five-year contract, Hornqvist returns to the Penguins in a place he’s familiar with; the opposition’s net. Arguably the best-net front presence in the NHL, Hornqvist is seemingly good for 20 goals every season. A vital component of the power play, Hornqvist figures to start the season skating on the top line with Crosby and Guentzel. At 31, it’s fair to wonder how his body will hold up given the toll his style of play extracts.

2017-18 statistics: 70 games, 29 goals, 20 assists, 49 points
Age: 31
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 189 pounds
Contract: Five years remaining, $5.3 million salary cap hit (modified no-trade clause)

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81 – Phil Kessel, RW – While Kessel is one of the most enigmatic stars in all of sports, there should be few questions about what he can produce. Coming off a career year, Kessel is expected to start the season on the second line with Malkin and Hagelin. The propensity for friction between Kessel and management, particularly Mike Sullivan, still exists, but all parties seem to realize the benefits this marriage still offers. Kessel enters the season having played 692 consecutive regular season games, the ninth-longest streak in NHL history.

2017-18 statistics: 82 games, 34 goals, 58 assists, 92 points
Age: 31
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 202 pounds
Contract: Four years remaining, $6.8 million salary cap hit (modified no-trade and no-movement clauses)
Note: Kessel’s previous team, the Maple Leafs, have retained $1.2 million of his salary cap hit.

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71 – Evgeni Malkin, C – Even as he approaches his mid-30s, Malkin thinks he can still be a dominant player for several more years. There’s little reason to suspect he’ll be slowing down any time soon. Few players can change the course of a game on a whim quite like the ferocious Malkin, who flirted with the 100-point mark last season. Provided he can stay healthy, a somewhat questionable proposition given his history, Malkin can reach those heights once again.

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2017-18 statistics: 78 games, 42 goals, 56 assists, 98 points
Age: 32
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 195 pounds
Contract: Four years remaining, $9.5 million salary cap hit (no-movement clause)

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17 – Bryan Rust, RW – No matter the need, Rust seems to find a way to fill it for the Penguins. A versatile player who can skate on both wings, all four lines and each special teams unit, Rust’s diversity and speed make him a valuable player for a variety of reasons. Signed to a four-year contract this past offseason, even more will be expected of Rust as he will start the season on the third line with Brassard and Dominik Simon. The Penguins’ plans may not ever be focused on Rust, but he figures to always be key component of them.

2017-18 statistics: 69 games, 13 goals, 25 assists, 38 points
Age: 26
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 192 pounds
Contract: Four years remaining, $3.5 million salary cap hit

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15 – Riley Sheahan, C – After seeing his offensive game evaporate with the Red Wings, Sheahan benefitted by playing behind Crosby and Malkin as evidenced by his 11 goals last season. In addition to his moderate offensive touch, Sheahan, blessed with a long reach, is a sturdy defensive presence and is typically one of the first players over the boards for the penalty kill. He is expected to start the season on the fourth line with Cullen and Daniel Sprong. Additionally, he’s playing for a potential long-term contract extension.

2017-18 statistics: 81 games, 11 goals, 21 assists, 32 points
Age: 26
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 214 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $2.1 million salary cap hit (pending unrestricted free agent)

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12 – Dominik Simon, C – A remarkably popular player with management as well as teammates, Simon will open the season on the third line as a left wing with Brassard and Rust. A deft passer in tight spaces, Simon has shown brief flashes of the skill which made him an All-Star at the AHL level. But he has been maddeningly inconsistent at inopportune moments, particularly in the playoffs when he was given playing time with Crosby. Simon reportedly rejected a lucrative contract offer in the KHL in order to re-sign with the Penguins as a restricted free agent this past offseason.

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2017-18 statistics: 33 games, 4 goals, 8 assists, 12 points
Age: 24
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 190 pounds
Contract: Two years remaining, $750,000 salary cap hit

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41 – Daniel Sprong, RW – It’s not exactly make or break time for Sprong, but the honeymoon is definitely over for the talented prospect. Blessed with a special shot, Sprong’s ability to score has been proven at the AHL ranks. But his consistency in playing a complete game, particularly defensively, remains in question. A lack of waivers exemption will keep him on the NHL roster for the foreseeable future, but a lack of trust (or patience) by management could keep him out of the lineup.

2017-18 statistics: 26 games, 4 goals, 1 assist, 5 points
Age: 21
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 180 pounds
Contract: Two years remaining, $750,00 salary cap hit

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Defensemen

8 – Brian Dumoulin – Questionable for Thursday’s season opener due to an undisclosed injury, Dumoulin is slated to be once again the safe, dependable defensive entity to the combustible offensive element that is Kris Letang. Despite his reputation for defensive play, Dumoulin displayed a bit of an offensive touch last season and established career highs in goals and points. A stalwart on the penalty kill, Dumoulin figures to be one of the most consistent members of the roster.

2017-18 statistics: 80 games, 5 goals, 13 assists, 18 points
Age: 27
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 207 pounds
Contract: Five years remaining, $4.1 million salary cap hit

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73 – Jack Johnson – A former No. 3 overall pick, Johnson is seeking to re-establish his NHL credentials in the environment which provided career course corrections for the likes of Justin Schultz, Jamie Oleksiak, Ian Cole and Trevor Daley. It’s fair to wonder if Johnson’s speed has eroded over the years, but given that he’ll inherit a lesser role than he had with the Blue Jackets, Johnson won’t be expected to do much of the heavy lifting on the Penguins’ blue line. Blessed with a big shot and a willingness to throw a big hit, he could be an ideal bottom-pairing defenseman with a smaller workload.

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2017-18 statistics: 77 games, 3 goals, 8 assists, 11 points
Age: 31
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 227 pounds
Contract: Five years remaining, $3.25 million salary cap hit

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58 – Kris Letang – Arguably no other player impacts the Penguins more than Letang. Sure, Crosby and Malkin are Hart Trophy candidates, Matt Murray plays the most important position, and the Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2017 without Letang, but no other member of this roster can boost or bruise the Penguins’ fortunes to a greater degree than their All-Star defenseman. Last season, Letang posted potent offensive totals but struggled in his recovery from a severe neck injury. Those struggles manifested themselves in the form of miscues, which ended up in the Penguins’ net more often than not. With the benefit of a full offseason to train as well as a plan to limit his minutes, Letang appears poised to become a much more consistent and stable player.

2017-18 statistics: 79 games, 9 goals, 42 assists, 51 points
Age: 31
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 201 pounds
Contract: Four years remaining, $7.25 million salary cap hit (modified no-trade and no-movement clauses)

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3 – Olli Maatta – After Dumoulin, no other player enjoyed a more consistent 2017-18 campaign than Maatta. Enjoying his first 82-game season and free of the health woes which plagued the early years of his career, Maatta was a reliable and sturdy entity in 2017-18. After spending most of last season with Schultz, Maatta appears set to start this season on a pairing with Johnson. If he stays healthy, there’s no reason he can’t improve on the gains he made last season.

2017-18 statistics: 82 games, 7 goals, 22 assists, 29 points
Age: 24
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 206 pounds
Contract: Four years remaining, $4,083,333 salary cap hit (modified no-trade clause starting in 2020-21)

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6 – Jamie Oleksiak – A failed first-round pick with the Stars, Oleksiak arrived in Pittsburgh after a midseason trade in 2017-18 and begun scratching the surface of his considerable talent thanks in part to Sergei Gonchar’s tutelage. Despite his mammoth dimensions, the “Big Rig” has the skating ability the modern NHL demands of defensemen. Expected to man the bottom defensive pairing, Oleksiak can also contribute on both special teams squads. Additionally, with the departures of Ryan Reaves and Tom Sestito over the past year, Oleksiak can serve as an enforcer if the need arises.

2017-18 statistics: 68 games, 5 goals, 12 assists, 17 points
Age: 25
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 255 pounds
Contract: Three years remaining, $2,137,500 million salary cap hit

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50 – Juuso Riikola – An undrafted free agent signed out of Finland, Riikola is the most curious offseason addition to the roster. How will his skill translate to a North American game he is playing for the first time in his career? There were concerns by those familiar with him of an adjustment period on and off the ice, but that time frame appeared to be very brief based on his effort in preseason contests. Blessed with a shot, skating ability, a willingness to hit and confidence, Riikola earned his place in NHL. But where does he belong in the lineup given the Penguins’ depth?

2017-18 statistics: 59 games, 8 goals, 16 assists, 24 points (Liiga)
Age: 24
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 189 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $925,000 salary cap hit (entry-level contract, pending restricted free agent)

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2 – Chad Ruhwedel – Due to the struggles of Matt Hunwick and the departure of Ian Cole, Ruhwedel finished last season on a third pairing with Oleksiak. As usual, Ruhwedel offered a steady but vanilla game. Seemingly always making the safe, inert play, Ruhwedel rarely made mistakes, but also rarely made significant impact. In many ways, he’s an ideal No. 7 defenseman. But with the emergence of Riikola, what is Ruhwedel’s place with the team?

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2017-18 statistics: 44 games, 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points
Age: 28
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 191 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $650,000 salary cap hit (pending unrestricted free agent)

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4 – Justin Schultz – The poster boy for second chances on a team full of players benefiting from second chances, Schultz enters the season seeking a bit of a rebound, offensively at least. After picking up the slack in Letang’s absence and establishing a career best with 51 points during the late stages of the 2016-17 campaign, Schultz scored barely half as many points in 2017-18. While his overall play was consistent, Schultz just wasn’t nearly as productive with Letang back in the lineup, even after he replaced Letang on the top power-play unit late in the campaign. He appears set to start this season paired with Oleksiak.

2017-18 statistics: 63 games, 4 goals, 23 assists, 27 points
Age: 28
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 193 pounds
Contract: Two years remaining, $5.5 million salary cap hit (modified no-trade clause)

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Goaltenders

1 – Casey DeSmith – A favorite of goaltender coach Mike Buckley, DeSmith took the long road to the NHL by turning a tryout at the ECHL level into a gig as a backup to Matt Murray. At a time when goaltenders are getting bigger and bigger, DeSmith is a throwback in that he’s one of the NHL’s smallest goaltenders and relies more on reflexes than just taking up the entire cage. Not being exempt from waivers will always give him an edge in the battle to be the backup over Tristan Jarry, but his performance last season, as well as this preseason, gives him the coaching staff’s trust over Jarry.

2017-18 statistics: 14 games, 6-4-1 record, 2.40 goals against average, .921 save percentage, one shutout
Age: 27
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 181 pounds
Contract: One year remaining, $675,000 salary cap hit (pending unrestricted free agent)

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35 – Tristan Jarry – After suffering a suspected right leg injury during a preseason game in Columbus on Friday, Jarry will begin the season with an injured non-roster status. Once he heals, he will presumably be assigned to Wilkes-Scranton, where he will take over as a starter and further his development. Once seen as the organization’s goaltender of the future, Jarry has considerable talent but was outperformed by DeSmith last season during Murray’s various absences. Considering Murray is no safe bet to avoid injury, there would appear to be ample opportunity for Jarry to see NHL action and prove he still has a future with the Penguins.

2017-18 statistics: 26 games, 14-6-1 record, 2.77 goals against assists, .908 save percentage, 2 shutouts
Age: 23
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 194 pounds
Contract: Two years remaining, $675,000 salary cap hit

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30 – Matt Murray – In his first full season as the unquestioned starter, familiar questions popped up about Murray regarding his health and that infamous glove hand. Murray seems to realize he has another level he can offer this season. If he can stay upright (a considerable if), there’s no reason Murray can’t become one of the NHL’s truly elite goaltenders and not just a “playoff” goaltender.

2017-18 statistics: 49 games, 27-16-3 record, 2.92 goals against assists, .907 save percentage, 1 shutout
Age: 24
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 178 pounds
Contract: Two years remaining, $3.75 million salary cap hit

(Top photo: Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports)

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