Five fearless predictions for the 2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins

1. Nicholas Robertson is expected to have a breakout season and score at least 25 goals. The Penguins acquired him and believe he will bring speed to the lineup, and has shown potential in his early career. Robertson's offensive capabilities are highlighted by his career-high of 16 goals and his ability to score in top-line situations. He has shown a positive shot volume as well, averaging 8.29 shots per 60 minutes.

2. Egor Chinakhov is also seen as a key player with the potential for a breakout season. He has produced solid numbers given his limited ice time and has drawn comparisons to other top forwards. Chinakhov's consistency and shot volume suggest he could be a long-term contributor for the team. Similar to Robertson, Chinakhov's potential improvement could be a high upside addition to the roster.

3. The team is potentially looking at Erik Karlsson for a trade. While it may not be popular among teammates, Karlsson's age and injury history make him a difficult player to retain. Trading him could bring in a valuable return and potentially secure the team's playoff position. The trade concerns also include Mantha, who was not traded the previous year and now has an uncertain future with the team.

4. Sergei Murashov is seen as a key unknown factor for the team. As a top-pairing defenseman, the Penguins are looking to secure a goaltender to improve their chances of making the playoffs. Murashov has shown great potential and upside, but his performance can be unpredictable. Some growing pains are expected, but his talent and potential impact could be significant for the future success of the team.