Pittsburgh Penguins Finalize Roster Ahead of 2024-25 NHL Season Opener

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced their finalized roster for the 2024-25 National Hockey League (NHL) season, as disclosed by Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. The team enters the season with a roster comprising 22 players, including 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders. Among the forwards are prominent names such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and newcomers Anthony Beauvillier and Kevin Hayes. On defense, the team is bolstered by players like Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang, while Tristan Jarry and Joel Blomqvist will serve as goaltenders.

The team has also placed several players on different injured lists. Forwards Blake Lizotte and Bryan Rust, along with goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, have been placed on Injured Reserve. Forward Matt Nieto has been tagged for Long-Term Injured Reserve status, and forward Vasily Ponomarev is designated as Injured Non-Roster. Additionally, forward Boko Imama and defenseman Sebastian Aho have been reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Penguins’ affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

The 2024-25 season roster includes 17 players from the previous season’s lineup and welcomes newcomers acquired through free agency and trades. These off-season acquisitions include Beauvillier and Matt Grzelcyk, alongside trade acquisitions like Cody Glass and Rutger McGroarty.

Ahead of the season opener against the New York Rangers, limited tickets are still available, providing fans an opportunity to witness the opening game at their home venue. The Penguins’ management is optimistic about improved performance from their bottom-six forward lines following adjustments made during the off-season.

Reflecting broader developments in the NHL, injured forward Bryan Rust participated in the final practice prior to the season opener, indicating a positive step in his recovery process. Meanwhile, in contract developments outside the Penguins, New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has reportedly declined an offer to become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history, as ESPN reported.

Separately, noteworthy progresses in the league include Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell making history as the first woman to coach in an NHL game, during the team’s match against the St. Louis Blues. Additionally, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed openness to expanding the league by adding a potential new team in a manner similar to Utah Hockey Club‘s proposed schedule.