Could be career years for both players
I think it is safe to say that as Crosby and Kessel go, so will the Penguins.
Not taking anything away from Evgeni Malkin or the rest of the team, but GM Jim Rutherford went out and found the winger Sidney Crosby has been hoping for. Kessel didn't have the greatest year last season in Toronto, but as we saw in the preseason games, there is already some chemistry between the two and we can easily say Kessel will pass his totals from last year. Obviously if he stays healthy.
It's not everyday you can go out and get a talent like Kessel. The Pens didn't even overly give up much to get him.
Now there is another interesting duo the Pens might have. The Pens also went out and signed Sergei Plotnikov, another talented winger that has played with Malkin and they should be paired up for at least the start of the season. Now with the Dupuis injury, a spot has opened up.
The question remains the Penguins defense. They were decimated by injury last season. If Olli Maatta and Kris Letang can stay healthy, it will definitely help the Penguins chances this season.
On a positive note, Daniel Sprong earned him spot on the team with his strong training camp and play during the preseason. It's good to see the young talent in the Pens organisation show what they can do.
It will be an interesting season for Pittsburgh. The main question will always be, can the Penguins stay healthy?
Get the latest news and updates directly in your inbox.