A position-by-position look at the Penguins as they approach training camp. Today, the right wingers.

Rust never sleeps. And he certainly never rests on his laurels.

Despite missing 11 games due to various ailments in 2024-25, Bryan Rust managed to establish career highs in goals (31), assists (34) and points (65) while skating as the team’s undisputed top right winger, primarily on a strong top line next to center Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell.

Given his age (33) and generally fearless style of play, it’s fair to wonder if Rust will ever hit a wall through physical attrition. But there’s little to suggest Rust will cease being one of the Penguins’ most indispensable players.

The same can be said for Rakell, who has largely been deployed as a right winger for most of his NHL existence. But after he posted career-best numbers in goals (35) and points (70) while primarily skating as a left winger, it’s probably a safe bet to assume he’ll open the season on the port side.

Rookie Ville Koivunen looked sharp during a brief cup of coffee on the NHL roster late last season. While he is capable of skating on both wings, most of Koivunen’s success in 2024-25 came on the right wing at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

The Penguins’ most prominent offseason free agent signing was Anthony Mantha. A three-time 20-goal scorer, Mantha is looking to rebound from a right knee injury that cost him most of the 2024-25 season. Assuming he is healthy, he has the touch and speed to still be a viable top-six winger.

One of the more successful individual stories of the 2024-25 season was Philip Tomasino. Jettisoned by the Nashville Predators, Tomasino joined the Penguins in November and found confidence as well as some goals. Questions persisted over his defensive game, but he can shoot the puck and get results.

Another free agent addition this past offseason was the massive Justin Brazeau (6-foot-6, 227 pounds). An ideal candidate for the fourth line, Brazeau isn’t just a large body. He has a moderate level of offensive touch, as evidenced by the 11 goals he potted in 76 games last season.

Noel Acciari moved from center to right wing last season and largely operated as a forechecker on the fourth line. His game is bowling shoe-ugly but his willingness to hit and block shots makes him popular with coaches.

Sam Poulin, a first-round draft pick (No. 21 overall) in 2019, had a career year with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season, collecting 43 points (19 goals, 24 assists) in 57 games. Capable of playing all three forward positions, he’ll need to exploit that versatility if he is to finally break through to the NHL level on a full-time basis.

Another familiar face who can skate on both wings is Danton Heinen, who is in his second stint with the club. He doesn’t do anything spectacularly but is competent enough to be a fill-in wherever injuries create holes in the lineup.

Filip Hallander returns to the Penguins after spending a handful of seasons in his native Sweden. In 2024-25, he erupted for 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists) in 51 games for Timra of the Swedish Hockey League. A second-round draft pick (No. 58 overall), Hallander has the pedigree to be a steady middle-six winger.

This appears to be the final chance for Valtteri Puustinen to claim a full-time NHL job. A productive player at the AHL level, he has never seemed to play with the same confidence in the NHL. He’ll need to have a strong camp to keep his NHL hopes alive with the Penguins.

Undrafted Avery Hayes enjoyed a strong 2024-25 season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and earned his first NHL contract. Productive — he had 23 goals in 60 games — and scrappy, Hayes likely needs further development before he reaches the NHL, but he’s headed in the right direction.

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