There are multiple key Pittsburgh Penguins to keep an eye on over the next few weeks. Throughout the 2022-23 seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins had a third line that was full of potential, but never found the correct rhythm to execute on a regular basis. Guys like Kasperi Kapanen, Brock McGinn, Jeff Carter, and Danton Heinen all tried to bring offense to the Penguins third line, but mostly failed in the process. Combined, those four names reached only 87 points before Kapanen and McGinn departed Pittsburgh prior to the trade deadline. More than just an inability to score, the Penguins third line last year struggled to keep the puck out of their own net, as well. The upcoming 2023-24 season should be a different story for the Penguins and their third line, as there are plenty of new options when it comes to personnel. Carter is still around, but he likely won’t start as the third line center; that role has been placed on the shoulders of veteran Las Eller. The Penguins brought in Eller via free agency on a two-year contract and there are endless possibilities over who could play on his wings. New president and general manager Kyle Dubas made quite a few other free agent and professional tryout signings that the Penguins bottom six could have a completely new look. Just about anyone can take over on the third line; newcomers like Noel Acciari, Matt Nieto, even Andreas Johnsson have a fair chance. Recently extended Drew O’Connor could easily enter the conversation and PTO signings like Austin Wagner and Colin White can put up fair fights. Don’t forget about Rem Pitlick who the Penguins picked up in the Erik Karlsson trade. Mike Sullivan will have numerous avenues to take when it comes to building the bottom six. There may not be loads of offense and scoring to be handed out in the bottom two lines, but they are certainly a more promising group with higher upside and much better in terms of defense. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Penguins Future Netminder in Action This Weekend [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/pittsburgh-penguins-future-netminder-action-weekend] Penguins at Prospect Challenge: Looking to Future [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-prospect-challenge-looking-future] Former Penguins Forward Signs PTO with Division Rival [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/former-pittsburgh-penguins-forward-signs-pto-division-rival] Teams Showing Interest in Former Penguins Champion [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/teams-interest-pittsburgh-penguins-champion-phil-kessel] Kyle Dubas Cleared Out Penguins Defensive Logjam [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/kyle-dubas-cleared-pittsburgh-penguins-defensive-logjam] * undefined * undefined Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTkwMDEyNjI0OTM4MzYw/img_6014.jpg]
