The Pittsburgh Penguins may still utilize Jeff Carter in a third line role this season. Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan is usually one of the best coaches in the NHL and has often been among the leaders for the Jake Adams Award. Despite never winning the award, Sullivan is already one of, if not the best coach in Penguins’ history. That doesn’t mean he’s a perfect bench boss, however, as the 2022-23 season was far from his best. Sullivan did what he could with the group of players he was given by former general manager Ron Hextall, but 2023-24 should be different. President of hockey operations Kyle Dubas has given Sullivan plenty of weapons to work with in building the Penguins’ lineup, especially with the depth forwards. There are obviously only six spots available in the Penguins’ bottom two forward lines, but far more than just six name vying for NHL roles. Guys like Jeff Carter, Lars Eller, Noel Acciari, Matt Nieto, Drew O’Connor, and Alex Nylander will all be fighting for spots and likely given the upper hand. Andreas Johnsson, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Radim Zohorna, all have NHL-level skill and experience that could benefit the Penguins. Jonathan Gruden, Sam Poulin, and Valtteri Puustinen are prospects that can soon make the jump as NHL regulars. Even Mikael Granlund likely sticks in the lineup if he survives a second buyout window. That’s 13 mostly capable players trying to fill six roster spots. Having that kind of depth is a good problem to have, but once the roster is set and the lines are formed, it’ll be up to Sullivan to be quick with necessary changes. If a player like Carter or Nylander are holding the team back in any way, Sullivan will need to act quickly in adjusting his lineup. There is a plethora of options to turn to, especially for guys that might be far hungrier for roster spots than a veteran like Carter. This many forwards with the ability to crack the Penguins’ lineup will make for an important training camp for an even more important season. The core group are looking for that one last Stanley Cup, they can’t afford to have anyone holding them back. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! What's Next for the Penguins After Drew O'Connor's Contract? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/next-pittsburgh-penguins-after-drew-oconnor-contract] Jeff Carter Still Has a Role in the Penguins' Lineup [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/jeff-carter-role-pittsburgh-penguins-lineup] Penguins Re-Sign Drew O'Connor Pre-Arbitration [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-resign-drew-oconnor-pre-arbitration] First Look of Lars Eller in Penguins Gear [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/first-look-lars-eller-pittsburgh-penguins-gear] The Penguins Will Get Answers This Week [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/pittsburgh-penguins-get-answers-this-week] * undefined * undefined
