The Penguins get to work today officially for the start of the franchise’s 60th season. Pens Points is back to catch up on news and notes for the occasion.
The top storylines we’re tracking for the start of camp, which just so happens to be about the exact same questions as last year. [PensBurgh]
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And here’s the opening camp roster with an early schedule through the weekend. [PensBurgh]
Sidney Crosby hasn’t signed a contract extension yet, but is feeling no rush to do so with his agent and the team handling talks. [Tribune Review]
A look at the philosophies and personality behind how Kyle Dubas works at re-shaping the Penguins. [Post-Gazette]
The Penguins have signed a deal with US Steel to jump on board as the team’s new helmet sponsor. Perhaps wisely it’s only for a promotional sticker and not for the manufacture of said equipment. [Penguins.com]
Cheers to former Penguin Ryan Reaves, who announced his retirement yesterday after 16 NHL seasons and 962 career games. [TSN]
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With Reaves hangin’ the skates up, only three players remain for next season in the NHL who don’t wear a visor with that rule grandfathered in. Can you guess without clicking (answer below) [Reddit]
Speaking of grandfathered equipment changes, there’s only one new rule change for players in the NHL in 2026-27: any player who makes their NHL debut this season and beyond are required to wear a neck guard. Such protection remains optional for all players who already have played at least one prior NHL game. [Toronto Sun]
A list of players who must clear waivers for the first time in 2026-27 in order to be sent to the AHL. Pittsburgh entries: goalie Taylor Gauthier and forward Ville Koivunen. [Puck Pedia]
Good guy Marc-Andre Fleury didn’t forget his billet family, reaching out to invite them to be included with his QMJHL Hall of Fame proceedings. [CBC]
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Former Penguin Jordan Staal has extended his contract in 2027-28 with Carolina for a $4.9 million cap hit with up to $5.1 million (!) more in performance bonuses. [Hurricanes.com]
New Utah teammates Vincent Trocheck and Logan Cooley have a long history dating back to their days in Pittsburgh. [NHL.com]
After shoulder surgery last month, Columbus goalie Elvis Merzlikins has failed a physical and isn’t expected back ‘anytime soon’. The Blue Jackets have recently added 39-year old goalie Cam Talbot to join Jet Greaves in net. [X – Portzline]
Mat Barzal’s status for the start of the regular season is in question after the announcement he won’t be skating at all for the next two weeks due to ‘inflammation’. (The Pens and Islanders don’t meet for the first time until January though, if you were wondering). [Islanders.com]
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Drew Doughty is the new captain of the LA Kings. [NHL.com]
Connor Hellebuyck, who made a trade request public, decided not to show up to the start of Winnipeg’s training camp. The Jets have now suspended Hellebuyck, who won’t be getting paid in the regular season until he reports to the Jets or gets that trade in a situation that might get even uglier and messier in the coming weeks. [Sportsnet]
A handful of players got polled at media day about hot topics around the NHL like expansion, trade requests and what coach they would like to play for. [The Athletic $]
Trivia answer from above – the three remaining visor-less players signed to the NHL this year: Ryan O’Reilly, Zach Bogosian and Jamie Benn.
Time to drop the puck and get to work!
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