2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. In this post, we’ll preview the Pittsburgh Penguins.
2021 Offseason
With little cap space to work with, the Penguins offseason was filled with extension and depth additions. The core group from the 20/21 season returns for another campaign.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The Penguins are a well rounded team with no glaring weaknesses. They look strong throughout the lineup.
Forwards
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still headline the Penguins forward contingent. With projected value nearly universally above the league median, they’ve assembled a very deep forward group. New deals this summer followed that trend, with Zach Aston-Reese and Danton Heinen at the top of the list. Both have projected value well over the 75th percentile.
Defensemen
Kris Letang is still the number one defenseman in Pittsburgh and he leads a group of capable defenders. As with the forwards, the defense corps is chalk full of high value contracts which has helped the Penguins build up their depth. John Marino’s new deal this summer looks like a steal for the Penguins, with a projected value above the 75th percentile.
Goaltenders
While goaltending let the Penguins down in last season’s playoffs, they return with the same duo again this season. While Tristan Jarry had a rough outing in the playoffs last spring, his projected value is that of a quality starting goaltender.
Team Performance
The Penguins depth has them looking like one of the teams to beat in the Metropolitan Division. With much of the team back from last season, including the entire core, they’ll be a contender for the division crown.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
