September 23, 2026 • 9:03 AM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
If you thought the Penguins’ final roster battles would come into focus as camp moved along, think again. Injuries have hit hard over the last 48 hours. Blake Lizotte is week-to-week, Ben Kindel is day-to-day, and Ville Koivunen and Justin Brazeau are also both day-to-day. Suddenly, what looked like a crowded field has become a jumble of open questions and shifting opportunities.
With exhibition games halfway done and every forward competing for one to three open spots having played one game, those fighting for roles are still jockeying. If Lizotte lands on IR for opening night, up to four potential openings could materialize. As of right now, though, nothing’s settled. All it takes is one good or rough night, or another tweak or bump, and everything changes. For bettors or fans tracking the preseason, this is high-alert territory if you’re trying to read the tea leaves.
According to Yahoo Sports, several young players are making waves, while others are struggling or are simply sidelined at the wrong time. At this stage, it’s all about timing and luck as much as raw skill and camp performance.
Let’s look at who’s rising, who’s stuck, and how the injuries turn this into even more of a toss-up.
Big movers and shaken-up battles
- Blake Lizotte (week-to-week) and Ben Kindel (day-to-day) injuries throw the center competition wide open.
- Ville Koivunen (day-to-day) and Justin Brazeau (day-to-day) setbacks increase uncertainty on the wing.
- Hendrix Lapierre is trending up after a strong preseason game, stepping up at center with others out.
- Avery Hayes keeps leaving positive impressions despite limited opportunity.
- Elmer Soderblom bounced back from a rough start to impress with physical play and versatility.
- Filip Hallander is making the most of his opportunities, showing readiness for NHL duty.
- Tristan Broz has faded after last year’s standout camp, missing a chance to force management’s hand.
- Bubble players like Rutger McGroarty and Hayes remain long shots but could see opportunity with more injuries.
Who’s trending up
Hendrix Lapierre wasn’t just named third star of Monday’s preseason game, he took full advantage of a suddenly open center role due to injuries and made his mark with good skating and responsibility in the faceoff circle. If Lizotte can’t go for the opener, Lapierre’s chances skyrocket. At worst, he’s left a strong impression for a depth NHL role.
Avery Hayes seemed buried on the depth chart in camp, but every time he steps on the ice, he makes something happen. That poise paid off when he forced a turnover and scored just before a period expired against Buffalo. It’s still a stretch for him to grab a roster spot, but his arrow is pointed firmly upward.
Elmer Soderblom turned things around quickly, moving from an early-camp misstep to a key contributor in preseason games. His size and physical edge make him a unique asset, and he’s opened eyes in a positive way.
Filip Hallander hasn’t just done the little things well, he’s peppered goalies with shots and thrived under pressure, much as he did last year when injuries created opportunity. The current injury wave may hand him another opening night roster spot if he keeps it up.
Stock cooling or stagnant
Tristan Broz stood out last preseason but has blended into the background this year. He hasn’t forced management into a tough decision, which is what you need from a young player trying to break through. With other forwards not requiring waivers, Broz looks likely to start in the AHL unless he clicks into another gear—fast.
Justin Brazeau has suffered both from a lower-body injury and issues keeping pace. The league’s speed ramps up each year, and so far Brazeau hasn’t looked comfortable. Unless his scoring touch outweighs his slow feet, and he recovers quickly, his spot is far from secure.
Ville Koivunen has been unlucky, missing a preseason game after taking a puck to the face. But even before that, he was sliding down depth charts. With little time left and others stepping up, he’s on the outside looking in unless something changes quickly.
Rutger McGroarty has youth on his side, but not opportunity. He started camp on lines with NHLers but finished most recently with minor-league hopefuls. A start in the AHL looks most likely for now.
Current projected lineup
Nick Robertson – Sidney Crosby – Rickard Rakell
Egor Chinakhov – Tommy Novak – Evgeni Malkin
Andrei Kuzmenko – Ben Kindel* – Bryan Rust
Connor Dewar – Hendrix Lapierre – Elmer Soderblom
Extras: Filip Hallander, Blake Lizotte (injured)
Bubble: Justin Brazeau, Rutger McGroarty, Avery Hayes, Ville Koivunen
The door is wide open
If Kindel or Lizotte go on IR to start the year, another bubble player cracks the lineup. Nothing is certain yet. With another week of camp and a few preseason games left, the window for players to stake their claim isn’t just open, it’s swinging on its hinges. The Penguins’ lineup is as unpredictable as it’s been in years, and your watchlist for last-minute surprises should be longer than ever as we get closer to opening night.
Key takeaways for bettors and fans
- Injuries have made predicting the opening roster trickier than ever.
- Lapierre and Hallander are the current favorites for promotions given injuries to Lizotte and Kindel.
- Players trending up (Lapierre, Hayes, Soderblom, Hallander) are worth watching for last-minute lineup bets.
- Broz and Brazeau haven’t made the big leap; their odds to make the lineup are dropping.
- Koivunen and McGroarty have seen opportunity slip away as they slot in with AHLers.
- Every preseason shift and injury update could change the NHL roster outlook.
- Bubble players could crack the opening roster if injuries persist.
- Don’t lock in any futures on this lineup just yet; a lot can and probably will shift before the final cuts.
More coverage: latest NHL news, our NHL betting analysis and today’s NHL picks.
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