Projecting the Penguins' season-opening lineup

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced their season-opening roster Monday, and with the exception of the occasions injuries or other factors interceded, it includes franchise pillars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang for the 18th consecutive year.

But there are plenty of new faces on almost every line, pairing and even the net.

The changes took place through big transactions (like signing and trades) and small maneuvers (such as waiver claims).

Regardless of the method, the lineup the Penguins will open the 2023-24 season with Tuesday will look considerably different than what they limped to the end of the 2022-23 campaign with.

Here are their projected lines, pairs and goaltenders:

First line

Jake Guentzel — Sidney Crosby — Bryan Rust:

AP

In 81 games last season, Penguins forward Bryan Rust had 46 points (20 goals, 26 assists).

While there was plenty of change throughout the organization this past offseason, the top line was mostly immune to those alterations. The only real question here is Guentzel’s status. Still recovering from offseason surgery to his right ankle, Guentzel has been labeled as a “game-time decision” for Tuesday. His chemistry with Crosby has been long-established. As for Crosby, at 36, he isn’t what he once was, but he’s still better than the vast majority of the NHL. Rust is hoping to rebound from an inconsistent 2022-23 season.

Second line

Reilly Smith — Evgeni Malkin — Rickard Rakell:

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

In three games this preseason, Penguins forward Reilly Smith had one assist.

Smith is really the only substantial change among the top six forwards. A consistent 20-goal threat, he figures to be a natural fit as a lead forechecker next to Evgeni Malkin, who still can tilt the ice and be a dominant force any time he steps off the bench. Rakell offers a skilled, well-rounded game and delivered 28 goals in his first full season with the Penguins in 2022-23.

Third line

Jansen Harkins — Lars Eller — Drew O’Connor:

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

In two games this preseason, Penguins forward Jansen Harkins had one assist.

Harkins was claimed on waivers Oct. 2, and in just over a week, he has appeared to claim prominent roles on the third line and the second power-play unit. A second-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets, Harkins offers a blend of scoring touch, physicality and speed. Eller is a prototypical third-line center who routinely reaches double-digits in goals while also playing responsible defense. As for O’Connor, he broke through as a full-time NHLer last season and figures to be a prominent component of the rebuilt group of bottom-six forwards.

Fourth line

Matt Nieto — Noel Acciari — Jeff Carter:

AP

The Penguins signed forward Matt Nieto to a two-year contract worth a total of $1.8 million in July.

This line has been the only trio arc welded together since the start of training camp. Nieto is a bundle of energy who is an aggressive, speedy forechecker, and Acciari will hit just about anything wearing a different jersey. Carter is looking to rebound from a difficult season in 2022-23 that saw his play fade down the stretch.

First pairing

Ryan Graves — Kris Letang:

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

In three games this preseason, Penguins defenseman Ryan Graves had two assists.

Graves was the Penguins’ biggest free agent acquisition this past offseason, literally (6-foot-5) and financially ($27 million). Like the departed Brian Dumoulin, Graves will be expected to serve as a countermeasure to the typically aggressive Letang. As for the six-time All-Star, Letang hopes to bounce back from a trying 2022-23 campaign that saw him deal with a variety of maladies, including a stroke.

Second pairing

Marcus Pettersson — Erik Karlsson:

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

The Penguins acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson in a trade on Aug. 6.

Late in the 2021-22 season, Pettersson was a healthy scratch. Today, he is getting a plum assignment by serving as partner to Karlsson, the defending James Norris Memorial Trophy winner. Karlsson is one of the most dynamic offensive forces in the history of the game. He should see plenty of five-on-five ice time with Malkin.

Third pairing

P.O Joseph — Chad Ruhwedel:

AP

In 75 games last season, Penguins defenseman P.O Joseph had 21 points (five goals, 16 assists).

After going through some growing pains towards the end of his rookie season in 2022-23, Joseph figures to be in a better position to endure the rigors of a full NHL campaign. After serving as a reserve last season, Ruhwedel returns to being a regular presence in the lineup with his mostly inert, steady game.

Goaltenders

Tristan Jarry — Alex Nedeljkovic:

AP

In 47 games last season, Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry had a 24-13-7 record.

Which is the real Tristan Jarry? The intriguing talent who has been a two-time All-Star or the injury-riddled goaltender who has been waylaid by maladies in critical junctures? Based on the five-year, $25.875 million contract he received this past offseason, management is betting on the former. After two forgettable seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Nedeljkovic, the new backup, is hoping to regain the form that landed him on the NHL’s All-Rookie team with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2020-21.