There are several former Penguins with a real shot at winning the Stanley Cup this postseason.

The Pittsburgh Penguins may not be in the postseason this year, but the organization will be represented by several former members. 11 different teams fighting for the Stanley Cup have one or more former Penguins on their roster. Which ones have the best chance to hoist the NHL's top prize? 

Top Contenders

Nick Bjugstad and Cody Ceci: Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers should be considered real contenders for the Stanley Cup this year. They dress two former Penguins who will see regular time in the postseason: Nick Bjugstad and Cody Ceci. While Bjugstad had a forgettable time with the black and gold, he's put together four goals and six points in 19 games with Edmonton since arriving at the trade deadline.

Ceci has been a fixture on the Oilers' second pairing since arriving in the 2021-22 season, playing over 19 minutes per game while also putting up 28 and 15 points respectively. The Oilers are one of the favorites this season due to the incomparable play of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisitl, but the contribution of depth players like Ceci and Bjugstad will be instrumental if the Oilers can actually make the next step. 

Zach Aston-Reese, Sam Lafferty Matt Murray: Toronto Maple Leafs

Similar to the Oilers, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a star-studded lineup with several former Penguins looking to play important depth roles for a Cup run. Two bottom line forwards on the Maple Leafs roster are Zach Aston-Reese and Sam Lafferty. Both players bring the same defensive presence and energy they did during their time in Pittsburgh to the Toronto lineup. 

Aston-Reese has also netted his first 10-goal season playing in 77 games with the Maple Leafs, while Lafferty broke out this year with a 12-goal season split between the Chicago Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. Toronto is in a make or break situation with their team this year, with the roster and management under intense pressure to win. In order to do so, they'll need continued contributions from their depth players like Aston-Reese and Lafferty.

Matt Murray found his way to Toronto this past season and has struggled to stay healthy, but is a possible option between the pipes.

Jordan Staal- Carolina Hurricanes

It's been over a decade since the Penguins traded Jordan Staal to the Carolina Hurricanes. In that time, Staal has become the captain of a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. The Hurricanes are the Metropolitan Division champions and are set for a real run at the Stanley Cup.

They are led offensively by the likes of Sebastian Aho, Martin Necas, and Brent Burns, but Jordan Staal is the heartbeat of a fast and tenacious Carolina lineup. Amongst all of the former Penguins in the postseason, Staal and the Hurricanes may have the best shot at getting a former Penguin a Stanley Cup this summer. 

Honorable Mentions

The Seattle Kraken have made their first postseason appearance in just their second season in the league. How did they make the jump so quickly? It helps when you have a 40-goal scorer like Jared McCann and a tenacious third liner like Branden Tanev. The former Penguins were both moved as part of former general manager Ron Hextall's epic 2021 NHL expansion failure. Now both are huge impact players for a scrappy playoff team. 

The award for most former Penguins on the roster this postseason is the Minnesota Wild, with four players. Not only are both Minnesota netminders former Penguins or  draft picks in Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson, the Wild also have forwards Oskar Sundqvist and Frederick Gaudreau in the lineup. They have a tough first round matchup against the Dallas Stars, and they'll be relying on these former Penguins to help propel them to the next round. 

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!

Management Changes Means Penguins Won't Pursue J.T. Miller

Penguins' Jake Guentzel Plans on Playing in World Championship

Penguins Need to Construct Younger Lineup in 2023-24

Upcoming UFA's Hope to Remain Penguins

Sidney Crosby Hope to Only Play With Penguins

• undefined
• undefined