3 Bold Predictions for Pittsburgh Penguins' 2024-25 Season

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been re-tooling on the fly, after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs once again last season. The 2024-25 year is off to an interesting start, as there's already been some roster developments.

Here's three bold predictions for the Penguins new season:

Tristan Jarry ends up being traded before March's deadline

After just three games into the season, there's a goaltending controversy brewing in Pittsburgh. Jarry started game one and lost, meanwhile 22-year-old rookie Joel Blomqvist, who had a very strong training camp, has started the last two consecutive Penguins' contests. Jarry has three more years on his contract, at $5.37 million AAV. The Penguins may wind up having interest from the Colorado Avalanche at some point this season, as they're also dealing with own goaltending issues.

Erik Karlsson hits 80 points

After a bad first impression in Pittsburgh, look for Karlsson to turn things back around this season. He's off to a good start with two points in the first three games, and after just 56 points in 82 games last year, expect to see Karlsson get more comfortable in his second season. Karlsson is playing on the top power-play, and top-four minutes, so he'll be given a golden opportunity to hit the scoresheet.

Penguins move Rickard Rakell

GM Kyle Dubas has had Rakell on his radar, dating back to his days in Toronto, but Rakell hasn't found his footing in Pittsburgh the past two and a half seasons. It won't be an easy contract to move, but Dubas hasn't been shy to sweeten the pot in order to get out of a bad contract. Rakell posted 37 points in 70 games, making $5 million against the cap. His current deal runs through the 2027-28 season, and Rakell owns a eight team no-trade list. Dubas will have his work cut out for him, but look for the savvy executive to find a suitor before the trade deadline.