The shortened version of training camp came and went. The Penguins enjoyed their three straight days of camp, Penguins training camp 2026 gave us three full group practices from Thursday through Saturday before Sunday’s day off. A few things were learned, but too many doors are left open too.
Penguins Training Camp 2026 Put Prospects on a Short Clock
The issue with the shortened camp is the lack of real opportunity prospects are going to receive. We saw it with Liam Ruck as he was stapled to the third grouping for the first two days of camp. That third group is usually used for AHL players, or prospects getting sent back. Liam only got one day with the NHL coaches to show what Kindel did last season, and that’s just not enough time. Sure, Liam, or any other prospect, could go out during a preseason game or two and light it up. However, it just seems like the shortened camp ruined any true sense of competition. Veterans could afford a bad practice because of their contract status’ whereas a younger guy had to be perfect all three days, and even then, that might not be enough.
The guys this most directly effects would be Rutger McGroarty, Ville Koivunen, Tristian Broz, and Avery Hayes. Those four guys are all likely too good to develop any further in the AHL but also don’t have a reliable way to enter the NHL roster. One of them might bump Elmer Soderblom out of the fourth line role, but Elmer’s performance has been great throughout camp (despite missing his first practice time).
There’s also one guy that everyone is forgetting about, myself included at times. Filip Hallander is back from his blood clot that took away his season last year. Not only is he back, but he is flying around camp. He looked solid in the lineup last season and has apparently gained an extra step. With Hallander’s addition to the logjam it makes it seem impossible for a “prospect” to enter this lineup.
Players are going to start getting cut soon and Pittsburgh’s waivers could be extremely interesting. You could see any of the following on waivers: Brazeau, Hallander, Koivunen, Lapierre, Dewar, Soderblom, or Lizotte (not happening).
The Penguins might also need to put Solovyov through waivers depending on how the lines shake out. The depth is great, but potentially losing good talent for nothing will suck.
As for lines, I am excited about what they’re experimenting with so far. I think sending Rusty down to the third makes a lot of sense. Rust will give that line more grind, and more defense, than they would have got with Robertson flanking Kindel. I also believe that spreading out the talent is something they need to do, especially since Mantha is no longer on the team and Kuzmenko isn’t a surefire replacement. Obviously, Rust will play with Sid too but at least attempting this configuration makes a lot of sense. Robertson, to his credit, has looked phenomenal in camp and definitely doesn’t seem out of place on Sid’s wing.
As for the defense and goaltenders, they are exactly what I assumed they would be going into camp…
Carille-Karlsson
Van Reimsdyk-Letang
Girard-Korzcak
Silovs-Murashov
I am fine with all of those decisions to start the season. I am sad that it doesn’t appear like there’s any room for Bruincke, but letting him marinate in the AHL isn’t the worst idea to be honest. At least we will see Murashov with an extended look in the NHL, and that’s definitely something to be excited about.
Despite the lack of competition this year, or youth infusion, we can still enjoy the players we know will be making the team. One of my personal favorites has somehow got better. Egor Chinakhov went to Russia and trained like Rocky going against Drago. Chinny somehow got a step faster. He also got stronger. I cannot wait to see this Russian maniac have a full season in a Penguins sweater. I know I am heavily biased, but I truly believe he can score 40 this season. If my prediction comes to fruition, I also believe the Penguins will make the playoffs again. Chinakhov is not alone in terms of players who have looked improved throughout the first few days of camp. Ben Kindel looks like he took it personally that media members were calling him too small (still). Kindel taking a second-year step will be a welcomed revelation. Imagine he goes from 17 goals and 35 points to something like 25-30 goals and 60 points, that would make the Penguins truly dangerous. Kindel is the type of determined kid that could do it, and I’m rooting for him.
Overall, the camp followed last year’s. It was extremely up tempo. The coaches made every drill a legitimate competition. Dan Muse lost his voice by the end of day two. I love the way these camps are ran and hopefully it leads to the same type of regular season as last year.
