Sidney Crosby remains the center of attention for the Penguins

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

The Penguins’ depth down the middle will look much like it did last season.

And for the past two decades, at least at the top.

Sidney Crosby remains an elite top-line center as evidenced by the 91 points (33 goals, 58 assists) he potted in 2024-25. At 38, any signs of his advanced age appear to be limited to the gray that has cropped up in his black hair.

The same can’t be said for Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins’ oldest player at 39. Fighting through a variety of injuries, Malkin labored through an unexceptional 2024-25 season in which he posted 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) in 68 games.

Entering the final year of a four-year contract, Malkin, a colonnade of the franchise, will presumably be playing his final season with the Penguins, if not the NHL.

Life might be easier for Malkin in 2025-26 if he is teamed on a line with Tommy Novak. Acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators, Novak skated on the left wing of Malkin’s line for one game before an undisclosed injury sidelined him for the final 16 games of the season.

Should that experiment be continued this upcoming season, Novak could split the center duties (faceoffs, defensive coverage) with Malkin, making life easier for the superstar.

Kevin Hayes came to the Penguins as a salary dump by the St. Louis Blues via a trade in June of 2024. Under that inauspicious context, Hayes managed to produce at a competent rate with 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) in 64 games while skating at all three forward positions.

It would be generous to suggest Hayes is meeting the standards of his salary cap hit ($3,571,429), but it wouldn’t be accurate to dismiss what he can still offer.

Blake Lizotte was one of the Penguins’ more prominent free agent acquisitions in the 2024 offseason (admittedly, by default) and he largely lived up to his billing as a bottom-six energy entity. Tenacious and quick on his skates, he can pester opposing defensemen into turnovers, win faceoffs and even offer the occasional offense.

The arrival of Lizotte led to Noel Acciari being re-positioned on the right wing for most of the season. There are few frills to Acciari’s game, but the 33-year-old will offer an honest effort as a shot-blocker and forechecker.

Tristan Broz was productive in his first full professional season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, posting 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists) in 59 games. Another season at the American Hockey League level with top-six minutes is likely best for his overall development.

Journeyman Joona Koppanen offered some solid play during a recall late last season and earned a one-year contract extension in June. He is a viable option for further recalls when injuries to incumbents on the NHL roster dictate.