Penguins countdown to 2025-26 centers on Crosby and Malkin anchoring a lineup that blends veteran playmaking with a wave of fresh talent. McGroarty and Koivunen push for opening-night roles as September previews unfold.

Sept 11-15 brings the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo against New Jersey, Boston, Buffalo and Columbus, then camp and a Sept 22 preseason vs Montreal, with Detroit visiting Sept 26 at PPG Paints.

Olympic chatter adds tempo as Crosby eyes Team Canada; other Penguins may join Italy in February. For fantasy managers, this mix of proven stars and rookies shapes early lineup decisions and the path to breakout performances.

Luke Hughes’ contract stalemate with the New Jersey Devils heads toward training camp as GM Tom Fitzgerald seeks a deal that fits both today’s roster needs and future cap realities. The piece notes rising caps shaping a buyer’s market and internal limits, while Dawson Mercer and Jeremy Swayman’s training camp absence adds leverage dynamics. Calgary’s Zary, Backlund, and Andersson; plus Canucks' Quinn Hughes, Rangers, Canadiens and Leafs are cited as comp benchmarks in a broader NHL cap landscape.

Willie O'Ree broke the NHL color barrier in 1958 with the Boston Bruins, and his story showcases grit, skill, and community support turning barriers into opportunity. This digest highlights the debut's significance and O'Ree's lasting off-ice impact as a mentor and builder of access for future players.

Discrimination and a disabling injury shaped his path, yet resilience and leadership defined his career. The piece frames these themes with care, underscoring how courage and mentorship reshape a league and inspire contemporary fantasy decision-making beyond raw on-ice stats.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be featured in 16 national TV games in 2025-26, underscoring their enduring visibility even as they chase a return to the playoffs. The slate spreads across ESPN, ABC, ESPN+/Hulu and TNT, highlighted by a 10/7 opener at the Rangers and a home opener 10/9 vs the Islanders. Local coverage remains with SNP, Josh Getzoff, Colby Armstrong and Phil Bourque, plus SNP360 streaming for a buck for 30 days. Radio on 105.9 The X roars as Rupp shifts to a more national focus, leaving Armstrong and Bourque in the rotation.

Beyond the Penguins, the national lineup features meetings with the Rangers, Flyers, Capitals, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Golden Knights, Bruins, Avalanche and Islanders, shaping DFS angles and fantasy projections around high-profile matchups and marquee opponents. The comprehensive schedule provides fans and fantasy managers multiple opportunities to target top-line Penguins and key rivals on big stages.