The Pittsburgh Penguins head into the 2025-26 season with a mix of established veterans and players looking to solidify their roles. While Sidney Crosby continues to lead the charge, several players have a significant opportunity to prove their worth and make a lasting impact on the team. Here are three Penguins players with something to prove in the upcoming season:

Philip Tomasino

Philip Tomasino, acquired by the Penguins in November of last season from the Nashville Predators, is entering a contract year, adding pressure to perform consistently. After a promising start with four points in his first five games, Tomasino's impact waned, leaving him somewhat unnoticeable for stretches. In 50 games with Pittsburgh, he tallied 11 goals and 23 points, showcasing his offensive capabilities. At 24, Tomasino fits the Penguins' desire for young, skilled players. His good shot and power-play abilities are valuable assets, but he needs to improve his defensive awareness and find ways to contribute even when he's not scoring. General manager Kyle Dubas will be closely watching to see if Tomasino can put together a more consistent and well-rounded game. If Tomasino can elevate his game and become a reliable contributor, he could secure a long-term future in Pittsburgh.

Connor Dewar

Connor Dewar, acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in March, is another player looking to cement his place in the Penguins' lineup. Dewar appeared in 17 games for Pittsburgh at the end of last season, scoring four goals and seven points. While his game isn't flashy, he is a solid player with the potential to be a valuable asset in the bottom six. Dewar needs to demonstrate that his initial performance with the Penguins wasn't a fluke and that he can consistently provide energy, physicality, and responsible defensive play. If Dewar can establish himself as a reliable bottom-six forward, he can become a key part of the Penguins' depth and penalty-killing units.

Joel Blomqvist

Goaltending is arguably one of the biggest question marks for the Penguins heading into next season. While Tristan Jarry is expected to be the starter, Joel Blomqvist needs to prove he can be a reliable backup. Blomqvist struggled in his NHL call-up last season, which raised concerns about his readiness for the NHL level. He allowed too many soft goals and seemed to be picked apart by shooters. Blomqvist has shown promise in the AHL but needs to translate that success to the NHL. The Penguins may also look to add a veteran goalie. Blomqvist needs to regain his confidence and demonstrate that he can handle the pressure of being an NHL goaltender. If Blomqvist can solidify his position as a dependable backup, it would provide the Penguins with much-needed stability in net and allow him to potentially compete for the starting role in the future.