As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves at an interesting juncture, with expectations ranging from a continued rebuild to a potential push for a playoff spot. A significant area of focus will be the performance of their defensive corps, which has been a topic of discussion and, at times, criticism. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising prospects, the Penguins' defensemen will face a variety of expectations.

Key Players and Their Expectations

• Kris Letang: Entering his 20th season, Letang remains a cornerstone of the Penguins' defense. Despite his veteran status, he is still expected to provide significant contributions in all zones. However, with Letang recovering from heart surgery, his workload and performance will be closely monitored.

• Erik Karlsson: Karlsson's acquisition was intended to bolster the Penguins' offense from the blue line. Expectations remain high for him to contribute offensively, especially on the power play. However, there are murmurs of a potential trade involving Karlsson, which could alter the defensive landscape. A responsible defensive partner is needed for both Karlsson and Letang.

• Ryan Graves: After a decline in performance, Graves faces pressure to regain his reliability. Reducing turnovers, particularly in the defensive zone, will be crucial for him to earn the coaching staff's trust and ice time.

• Ryan Shea: Shea, returning on a one-year contract, is expected to provide dependable minutes and solid defensive play. While he may not be a top-pairing defenseman, he should be a solid shutdown presence.

• Owen Pickering: After getting a taste of NHL action in the 2024-25 season, Pickering aims to secure a full-time spot in the NHL. Although not quite ready for top-four minutes, he is expected to showcase his two-way ability and continue developing his physical game.

Roster Composition and Potential Pairings

The Penguins have a logjam at the defense position. The projected defensive pairings include:

• Ryan Graves and Kris Letang
• Ryan Shea and Erik Karlsson
• Parker Wotherspoon and Connor Clifton

However, players like Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke could push to crack the lineup with strong training camps.

Defensive Strategies and Systems

The Penguins' defensive approach will likely involve a blend of strategies, including:

• Forechecking: Applying pressure in the opponent's defensive zone to disrupt breakouts and regain possession. Systems like the 1-2-2, 2-1-2, and the trap can be employed.
• Neutral Zone Play: Disrupting the opponent's flow through the neutral zone, potentially using a trap system.
• Defensive Zone Coverage: Employing effective gap control, angling, and containment to limit scoring chances.

Effective communication and anticipation will be key to successful defensive play.

Overall Expectations

The Penguins' defensive unit faces the challenge of improving its overall performance. Key areas of focus will include reducing turnovers, improving defensive zone coverage, and providing more consistent offensive contributions from the blue line. The development of young players like Pickering will also be crucial for the long-term success of the team.

With a new coaching staff and a renewed emphasis on youth and development, the Penguins' defensemen have the opportunity to exceed expectations and play a key role in the team's success in the 2025-26 season.