PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Two handfuls of players on the 2025-26 Penguins opening day roster were not with the team last year as the list is finalized before the season starts at the Rangers Tuesday night.
Of the 23 players, a pair are teenagers, forward and first-round pick Ben Kindel and defenseman Harrison Brunicke, second-round pick last year. Each have to stay on the NHL roster for the full season or be sent to their Canadian Hockey League teams after nine games. Neither are permitted to play in the AHL, where the Pens top minor league team is, because of a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the CHL and NHL regarding teenage players drafted from the CHL. A long-winded way of saying it’s still questionable whether Kindel or Brunicke are likely to be on the roster all year.
Forwards (13)
The familiar group with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Rickard Rakell and veteran Noel Acciari along with young players Ville Koivunen, Philip Tomasino, Connor Dewar and Filip Hallander. Free agents Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha join Blake Lizotte and Thomas Novak who were acquired in trades and Kindel.
Defensemen (8)
Brunicke with Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson and Ryan Shea along with Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba, who came over in trades this year. Caleb Jones and Parker Wotherspoon signed as free agents.
Goaltenders (2)
Tristan Jarry remains the starting goaltender with Arturs Silovs as the backup. He came over in a trade with Vancouver in July.
Injured
Top line forward Bryan Rust with veteran Kevin Hayes start the season on Injured Reserve. Plus four others who could play a role for the Pens this year start as Injured Non-Roster—goalie Joel Blomqvist, defenseman Jack St. Ivany and forwards Tanner Howe and Ruger McGroarty.