Metropolitan Division (NHL)

Preseason Award Predictions for the Penguins

Jake Guentzel. Photo by shatteredlenstx. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en)

Just like every season, each team has awards. It is going to be interesting to see how this next season plays out as some people think the Pittsburgh Penguins will make the playoffs and others do not. There are a lot of good players on this hockey team and have made it to the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons. They are looking to make it 14 consecutive seasons. Which players on this team will get an award this season?

Team MVP: Jake Guentzel. This is a little bit bold but not as bold as you think it is going to be. Guentzel is one of the most dynamic goal scorers in the NHL. He plays well alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Jake Guentzel missed most of last season with a shoulder injury and if he stays healthy, this team can go on a deep playoff run.

Team MIP: Jason Zucker. He is going to be playing a big role on this team this season in a Top 6 role. Zucker was acquired in a trade at the trade deadline last season with the Minnesota Wild. He is going to be really good moving as well.

Best Newcomer: Kasperi Kapanen. He was acquired in a trade this past offseason from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kapanen wasn’t a good fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs and he was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins as well in the first-round back in 2014.

Worst Newcomer: Maxime Legace. Why did General Manager Jim Rutherford even decide to bring him to begin with? Casey DeSmith will be the backup goalie heading into the season.

Best Coach: Todd Reidren. Of course Mike Sullivan is going to do a fine job behind the bench, but Reidren is important because he needs to fix the power play that Mark Recchi did a terrible job with. Todd Reidren was the assistant coach for the Washington Capitals for a few seasons and won a Stanley Cup with Barry Trotz in 2018 against the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Todd Reidren was also an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins a while ago with Dan Blysma.

 

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