In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins are poised to make some surprising moves in the 2026-27 season. While some names are already household favorites, there are a few players who could emerge as key contributors, catching the eye of fans and critics alike. Let's delve into the potential surprise players who might just steal the show.
Declan Carlile: The Rising Star
Declan Carlile is a name that has been making waves in the NHL, and for good reason. With only 46 career games under his belt, Carlile has the potential to become a top-four matchup defender, a position that has been a bit of a wild card for the Penguins in recent years. His underlying metrics suggest that he could have a Wotherspoon-esque glow-up, which would be a welcome surprise for the team. While there's no guarantee that Carlile will make the top-four, his potential is undeniable, and he could find himself practicing in September with Erik Karlsson, a move that would be a game-changer for the team.
Hendrix Lapierre: The Underrated Center
Hendrix Lapierre is a player who has been overlooked in the eyes of many, but he has the potential to make a significant impact. With a history of making positive contributions and playing center, a position that is not exactly settled on the team, Lapierre could be the surprise package of the season. While expectations are low for him, he could find himself playing 60+ games and making a few key plays along the way. It won't be a ringing endorsement, but it's within reason that he could surprise the fan base and become a key player on the squad.
Nick Robertson: The Producing Player
Nick Robertson is a player who has been producing in Toronto, and the Penguins might just be the team to benefit from his skills. With a history of scoring 31 goals in the last two seasons, Robertson has figured something out, and the Pens are a bit overstocked with scoring-line wingers. While it's not clear how and where Robertson will fit in, a big year for him is within reason. With 20 goals and 40 points, Robertson could surprise the fan base and become a key player on the squad, a development that would be a welcome surprise for the team.
Bill Zonnon: The Rising Star from the AHL
Bill Zonnon is a player who has taken to the AHL like a fish to water, scoring a goal in each of the first three playoff games he played as a pro. With great wheels and a knack for going to the net, Zonnon is a center who could surprise the NHL with his performance. While it might be premature to expect him to make a significant impact in the 2026-27 season, the Penguins have a history of calling up players from the AHL and giving them a chance. With a long season ahead, Zonnon could be the surprise package of the season, a player who rises to the occasion and makes a name for himself.
Mikhail Ilyin: The Playmaking Center
Mikhail Ilyin is a player who has flashed in the AHL playoffs, scoring nine points in 15 games. With a history of being a historically good point-producer at a young age in the KHL, Ilyin has the potential to become a playmaking center in the NHL. While it might be a stretch to expect him to make a significant impact in the 2026-27 season, he could be the surprise package of the season, a player who rises to the occasion and makes a name for himself. The Penguins could be onto something with this one, and it's a name to keep in mind as a potential candidate for a player who could step up and make a significant impact.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Penguins have the potential to make some surprising moves in the 2026-27 season. While some names are already household favorites, there are a few players who could emerge as key contributors, catching the eye of fans and critics alike. From the rising star Declan Carlile to the producing player Nick Robertson, the Penguins have the potential to surprise and delight, a development that would be a welcome surprise for the team and its fans.
