PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan) As the temperature begins to cool outside, and leaves begin to fall, that only means one thing; Hockey is right around the corner.
The Pittsburgh Penguins opened up their training camp and already have a ton of storylines that can be followed heading into the 2021-22 NHL season.
With start centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin expected to miss the start of the season, (Malkin especially) there are some names that will need to step up in the lineup.
As training camp rages on, however, there are a few names that Pens fans should keep a close eye on heading into the season.
Brian Boyle
The newest, and tallest, member of the Penguins, Brian Boyle signed a professional tryout offer during the summer.
Now he seems like the perfect player to help fill out the center depth while Malkin and Crosby miss time.
With over 800 career NHL games played, Boyle would be a perfect veteran option to slot in while the team waits on future Hall of Famers to return.
It will be interesting to see if Boyle can still cut it at the NHL level; At the age of 37 and not playing at all during the 2021 season, it could be iffy.
Filip Hallander
Originally a Penguins draft pick before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Filip Hallander found himself traded back to Pittsburgh this offseason.
Hallander is back and back with a purpose; To take a spot on the NHL roster.
After the first day of Prospect Development Camp, he told the media that he is ready to take a spot with the Penguins and produce at the NHL level.
With words like that, his actions on the ice will have to follow.
Throughout development camp, Hallander not only looked like a good player, but a smart player.
Hallander said he can be a net-front presence and the Penguins could use that kind of player.
Sam Poulin/Nathan Legare
The organization’s top two prospects have a great chance of fighting for an NHL spot this year.
While it isn’t certain right away and they are likely to start in the AHL, both Sam Poulin and Nathan Legare are just one step closer to the NHL.
Poulin has been the Penguins’ top prospect since being drafted 21st overall in 2019, and keeps improving. He should be knocking on the NHL’s door soon.
Legare came to development camp 15 pounds lighter and multiple steps faster.
Legare’s speed was something that pushed him down the prospect list, but now with an extra gear, paired with his still great shot, he is inching towards the NHL.
It’s doubtful they crack the opening night roster, but they have made great strides and continue to improve in the Penguins system.
Pierre-Olivier Joseph
Another top prospect in the organization, PO Jospeh has already gotten a taste of the NHL and could be getting more soon.
Joseph has proven to have the skill needed to crack a bottom pairing situation in the NHL, now it will be a matter of fighting for a spot in the lineup and improving every step of the way.
Joseph will be fighting for a real spot in the NHL during camp, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he got it.
Of course, the joy of hockey being back is enough, but there are a lot of storylines fans should follow as we wait for puck drop on the 2021-22 season.