There will be a tough battle for the Pittsburgh Penguins top line during training camp, and Alex Nylander might get the upper hand.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without the talents of Jake Guentzel for the first handful of games in the 2023-24 season.

This opening in the lineup may not be long-term, but it is still an opportunity for an unexpected face to make a difference in the lineup.

New president and general manager Kyle Dubas did a fantastic job this offseason adding numerous names that could battle for depth forward roles.

Andreas Johnsson, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Rem Pitlick will all be in the battle for an NHL role, but Alex Nylander may run away as the leader for the opening on the first line.

Nylander is deserving of another look in the Penguins roster, and what better opportunity than right next to Sidney Crosby?

In nine games played at the NHL lever last year, Nylander picked up a goal and an assist, usually spending time on the second line with Evgeni Malkin as his center.

The Penguins wasted no time in extending Nylander, as they penned him to a one-year deal before they even hired a general manager.

That alone shows the kind of faith the Penguins have in this player and could be an indication of how much they want him to work at the NHL level.

Nylander has the skillset and ability to play on an NHL roster, he just needs more than just a handful of games to show what he can really do.

Starting the season on the first line will quickly get his feet under him then prepare him to be at the top of his game when Guentzel returns.

When the Penguins have a fully healthy lineup, Nylander might be a second of third line player, but the Guentzel injury opens up a new opportunity.

The battle for Guentzel’s temporary replacement will be one of the biggest battles to watch during Penguins training camp and is truly completely up for grabs.

Nylander might just be the best and most deserving option in the organization.

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