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Metro Rundown: After Strong Offseason, Where do Jackets Stand?

By Curtis Deem

Sep 25, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Penguins

2021-22 Record: 46-25-11 (103pts)

Goal differential: 272-229 (+43)

Key Additions: D Jan Ruutta, D Jeff Petry, D Ty Smith, F Ryan Poehling

Key Subtractions: F Evan Rodrigues, D Mike Matheson, D John Marino, F Zach Ashton-Reese

The most important moves the Penguins made this offseason were done within the organization – locking up defenseman Kris Letang and center Evgeni Malkin, who were both due to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. But the club also did a nice job of quietly improving their defense corps, which should make them a harder team to play against as they eye one more run with this talented, aging core.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 11: Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins (R) celebrates his second period goal against the New York Rangers and is joined by Evgeni Malkin #71 (L) in Game Five of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 11: Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins (R) celebrates his second period goal against the New York Rangers and is joined by Evgeni Malkin #71 (L) in Game Five of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Up front they lose their fifth leading scorer in Rodrigues, which might sting most clubs … but they’ll be replacing him with a (hopefully) healthy Evgeni Malkin, who missed half the season due to injury. They may be long in the tooth, but their depth down the middle is still elite, rolling out Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Jeff C***** as their centers. Jake Guentzel has emerged as one of the game’s most dangerous scoring wingers, and he’s surrounded by some other nice pieces as well.

Defensively, I like their adjustments because these changes make them a more responsible team. Ruutta has Stanley Cup pedigree and quietly, is a very good two-way defender. Petry had an poor season last year, but should bounce back with this group as a physical guy who can shut it down, but chip in some offense as well. Ty Smith has failed to find footing in the league, but was a high first draft pick who has had success at every other level. So, of course, he’ll be fantastic and probably lead them in scoring this year.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 15: Evgeni Malkin #71 and Kris Letang #58 celebrate with Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins after Crosby scored his 500th NHL goal during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 15: Evgeni Malkin #71 and Kris Letang #58 celebrate with Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins after Crosby scored his 500th NHL goal during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

The Penguins will return both of their goaltenders from last year, Tristan Jarry and Casey deSmith, who aren’t elite, but gave them a chance to win every night. While this team will have to age out at some point, I don’t think it’s their time yet. They seem like they’ll be better this year, possibly good enough to contend one more time.

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