Pittsburgh Penguins: 2 Breakout Candidates for Next Season

With each season that passes, it seems that every NHL team has at least one player break out and become a crucial part of their roster. The 2024-25 season should offer more of the same, so we here at NHL Trade Rumors will be looking at a few breakout candidates from each NHL club heading into the new campaign.

In this latest edition of the series, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be the team focused on.

Valtteri Puustinen: Valtteri Puustinen is an under-the-radar breakout candidate heading into next season. The 25-year-old forward quietly had a solid season with the Penguins this past season, as he had five goals to go along with 20 points in 52 games. Overall, he provided them with decent secondary offensive production, and he has the potential to take another step forward in 2024-25 now that he is more adjusted to the NHL. If he takes another step forward next season, he could become a very valuable part of the Penguins' top nine.

Rutger McGroarty: The Penguins made a big move earlier this month when they acquired Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets. They also immediately signed him to his entry-level contract, so the top prospect could be a key part of their lineup next season because of it. When noting that he was absolutely dominant at the collegiate level, he has the tools to break out and make an immediate impact for the Penguins next season.