The Pittsburgh Penguins' quest for a new center is a topic of much speculation, and it's understandable why. With an aging core and a need to prepare for the future, General Manager Kyle Dubas faces a tricky task. While the team has made strides in acquiring young talent, such as Yegor Chinakhov, the center position remains a concern. The question is, should the Penguins prioritize adding a solid center before the next season?
The current lineup has its strengths, with Sidney Crosby and Blake Lizotte forming a strong top and bottom pair. Lizotte's regular shifts and Crosby's heavy involvement take pressure off the rest of the team. The Penguins have options to fill the remaining center spot, including Ben Kindel, Tommy Novak, Rickard Rakell, and Evgeni Malkin. Hendrix Lapierre and Connor Dewar also provide depth, with Dewar proving his capabilities as a fourth-line center. However, the team's success in this area has been a hallmark of their success over the past two decades, with players like Crosby, Malkin, Jordan Staal, and Nick Bonino forming a formidable center group.
The talk of Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks is intriguing. Pettersson fits the target demo that Dubas seeks, being in his mid-to-late 20s and having control over his trade. However, there are significant hurdles to overcome. Pettersson is underperforming for his large cap hit, and the Canucks are unlikely to part with one of their best players without a substantial return. Additionally, Pettersson shows no indication of wanting to move to an Eastern team, let alone Pittsburgh.
In my opinion, while adding a solid center would be beneficial, it is not a dire need. The Penguins have a capable lineup and a strong foundation. The team's success over the past two decades has been built on a strong center group, and while the days of Crosby and Malkin dominating the position may be over, the team has the depth and talent to fill the gap. The challenge for Dubas is to find the right balance between competing now and preparing for the future, and it remains to be seen if adding a center will be the key to unlocking their next era of success.
