How have the newest Penguins fared to start the 2023-24 season?

The Pittsburgh Penguins orchestrated a roster overhaul this past offseason, with the sole purpose of getting this team back to the playoffs. The team brought in a new general manager/president of hockey operations, a new back-up goaltender, a whole new group of bottom six forwards, and the reigning Norris Trophy on defense.

Already, there have been 13 different players to appear in at least one game who wasn't with the organization last season. Despite the turnover, expectations and standards for the new look Pens are as high as they ever been in Pittsburgh. So how have the newbies measured up through the team's first 10 games?

Noel Acciari: D

The fourth line hasn't been great to begin this campaign, and Acciari is certainly part of that issue. He has a single point so far, and he's been mostly unnoticeable so far. He and his line mates need to produce more as the season continues. 

Lars Eller: C

The third line center has flown under the radar so far, which is hard to decipher. He has four points playing alongside Drew O'Connor and Radim Zohorna, but the ceiling of his game is still a mystery. 

Ryan Graves: C

Brought in to replace Brian Dumoulin, there's been nothing that stands out about Graves so far, good or bad. He and Kris Letang are still in a feeling out stage of their defensive partnership, and their chemistry reflects that. If he can settle in and stay consistent, he and Letang will be just fine on the top pair. 

Vinnie Hinostroza: N/A

He's only played one game, but did earn two points in his season debut. It's still not guaranteed Hinostroza stays in the lineup, but he's already looked better than Jeff Carter.

Erik Karlsson: B+

The crown jewel of the Penguins' makeover, Karlsson came to Pittsburgh with two explicit goals: prove last year's resurgence was no fluke and compete for a Stanley Cup. Through 10 games, the offensive skillset has been on full display. He has two goals and eight points so far, and he's had three multipoint efforts in those 10 games.

The biggest thing the Penguins need to see from Karlsson moving forward is taking over the power play. The special teams have been lackluster to start out, but Karlsson has the ability to lead and propel the unit back to top-10 status. 

Alex Nedeljkovic: C+

Injuries have limited Nedeljkovic to just two appearances, but he looked solid in those games. The Pens need a reliable alternative to Tristan Jarry, and if Ned can bounce back and remain healthy, he could be a huge asset. 

Matt Nieto: C-

Nieto gets a similarly low grade like his linemate, Acciari. The newcomers were brought in to add veteran depth that was above all else, reliable. So far, that has only been the case defensively for Nieto. Coming off of a 13-goal season last year, the Pens need him to re-kindle the offensive touch he showed while also maintaining his penalty killing contributions. 

Note: After one game with Hinostroza in the lineup over Carter, the Penguins fourth line seems to be finding some rhythm. Surely, they'll all earn higher grades in the near future if that keeps up.

Ryan Shea: B-

After making his NHL debut, Shea has looked solid in the Penguins lineup. As a depth defenseman, a main role is to not be noticed too often, and that's exactly how Shea has looked. Unnoticeable, yet stout.

Reilly Smith: A+

Smith has been simply outstanding to begin his tenure in Pittsburgh. His complete game preceded him, but he's surpassed that through the first 10 games. He's registered 11 points, been a surprising power play asset, plays penalty killing minutes, and most importantly, has formed a dynamic partnership with Evgeni Malkin. The second line's been potent with the combination of Geno and Smith, and looks to continue. 

Radim Zohorna: B

In his second stint in Pittsburgh, he's impressed to start the year. He's been productive in limited ice time, with three points in six games, and the third line looks markedly improved since he's been inserted into the lineup. 

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