The 2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for another season, and with a few new additions, fans are eager to see what the team can achieve. Among the newest players, Nicholas Robertson, Andrei Kuzmenko, Hendrix Lapierre, Kaedan Korczak, Declan Carlile, and Trevor van Riemsdyk are all expected to make an impact. Here's a breakdown of their potential contributions and the over/under expectations for each player.
Nicholas Robertson: Over/Under 20.5 Goals
Robertson, at 24 years old, is a promising young player with NHL experience and untapped potential. He has averaged 17 goals per 82 games in his career, with a recent improvement to 19 goals per 82 games. His efficiency is remarkable, as he has been one of the most productive goal-scorers per minute in the league over the past three seasons. Robertson's ability to produce in limited minutes makes him an intriguing prospect for the Penguins.
What makes Robertson stand out is his similarity to other players the team has acquired recently. He fits the profile of early-to-mid-20s players with strong rate stats, who have excelled in softer roles. The Penguins have had success with this strategy, as seen with Egor Chinakhov, Elmer Soderblom, and Parker Wotherspoon. Robertson's potential for growth and his affordable contract make him a valuable addition.
The Penguins are optimistic that Robertson can increase his overall production with a more prominent role. While 20 goals might be a stretch, it's a reasonable expectation given his recent performance and the team's strategy.
Andrei Kuzmenko: Over/Under 20.5 Goals
Kuzmenko, a veteran player, brings a mix of offensive talent and inconsistency to the team. He has a history of success, scoring 39 goals in his rookie season and maintaining a high shooting percentage. However, injuries and team changes have impacted his performance in recent years.
Despite his inconsistencies, Kuzmenko has the ability to score and has shown productivity on the power play. He has topped the 20-goal mark twice in his career and scored at a 20-goal pace in a significant number of games. His performance on a weaker team with less talent around him further supports the possibility of reaching this goal.
Kuzmenko's ability to stay on the ice will be crucial to his success. With a reasonable goal of 20 goals, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the team's scoring.
Hendrix Lapierre: Over/Under 10.5 Points
Lapierre, a young forward, is expected to have a limited impact offensively due to the team's depth at the forward positions. His rate stats are passable but not exceptional, and his minutes and production may be constrained. Lapierre's role is likely to be that of a fourth-liner or extra forward, making it challenging to reach a significant point total.
Kaedan Korczak: Over/Under 15.5 Points
Korczak, a defensive player, has consistently produced strong results when on the ice. He has played a crucial role in pushing the play and out-scoring opponents, even in sheltered minutes. Korczak's performance has earned him a bigger look, and his 20-point pace per 82 games makes him a valuable addition to the team's defensive strategy.
Declan Carlile: Over/Under 20.5 Points
Carlile, a player with a similar profile to Parker Wotherspoon, has the potential to be a sneaky good signing. His performance in Tampa Bay after being thrown into an NHL role suggests he can excel in a similar situation. While he may not reach Wotherspoon's point total, Carlile's potential for a strong year is worth exploring.
Trevor van Riemsdyk: Over/Under Plus-10 Rating
Van Riemsdyk, a defensive player, has a strong track record of positive plus-minus ratings. His ability to be a pure defender and his consistent performance make him a valuable addition to the team's defensive lineup. The Penguins have turned over half of their defensive group, and van Riemsdyk's presence could significantly improve their defensive capabilities.
In summary, the 2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins have made strategic additions to their roster, with players like Robertson, Kuzmenko, Korczak, Carlile, and van Riemsdyk all bringing unique strengths. The over/under expectations for these players provide a glimpse into the team's potential for success, with a mix of offensive and defensive contributions.
