Bleacher Report · Apr 30, 2020
NHL Free Agents 2020: Latest Buzz on Justin Schultz, Penguins, Hurricanes
Nick Wass/Associated Press
Before the NHL season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Pittsburgh Penguins appeared to be on their way to making the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season. And with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still as their core players, they're likely to remain postseason contenders in the near future.
However, whether the Penguins win the Stanley Cup—like they did in consecutive years in 2016 and 2017—or lose in the first round, like last season, can depend on the moves the team makes in the offseason. Crosby and Malkin are strong players, but it takes a quality supporting cast to build a championship team.