The Pittsburgh Penguins were encouraged by what Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen brought to the table at the end of the 2024-25 season, and rightfully so.

McGroarty and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had instant chemistry to end the season, while Koivunen looked good with both Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Koivunen's six-game sample with Malkin was excellent, with the two players accounting for 54.9% of the shot attempts, 55% of the scoring chances, and 60% of the high-danger chances at 5v5 while on the ice. 

Koivunen and McGroarty will likely make the team out of camp, especially if they pick up from where they left off last season. Still, Filip Hallander is another young player who shouldn't be underestimated. 

Hallander was picked by the Penguins in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft but didn't come over to North America until the 2021-22 season. He spent most of that season and the 2022-23 season in the AHL before going back to Sweden for 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and his decision paid off in a big way. 

He finished the 2023-24 season with 14 goals and 36 points in 51 games before finishing this past season with 26 goals and 53 points in 51 games. Hallander turned into a different player in the SHL, showcasing his skating, vision, and his shot. He was a force all over the ice, which eventually led to the Penguins giving him a two-year contract on April 29. 

The Penguins hired head coach Dan Muse to oversee the development of their younger players, as he has extensive experience working with young players throughout his coaching career. He will have to keep a close eye on Hallander, given the way he has developed in Sweden over the last couple of years.

There may be a "surplus" of veteran forwards on the roster right now but nobody should be surprised if Hallander grinds out a spot on the opening night roster. 

(Data via Natural Stat Trick).

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Featured Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images