These players, which include Egor Chinakhov, Rickard Rakell, Tommy Novak, Elmer Soderblom, and Samuel Girard, are not new to the team. They are also not among the youngest or deepest roster options. They are not part of the Penguins' core group. They are still expected to take on a meaningful role in the lineup. They are expected to generate production this season. This year's focus is on these key players. They fall in between the top-line stars and the lower-end bench contributors. Here's a more detailed breakdown of what to expect from them. It includes their projected over/under stats.
Chinakhov's Impact
Egor Chinakhov joined the Penguins in the middle of the 2025-26 season after being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets. His arrival wasn’t just notable for its timing, but also for how quickly he adapted and made an immediate impact. Chinakhov played a major role in the second half of the season, showing off his improved game with and without the puck. He finished that season with 21 goals and 42 total points combined for Columbus and Pittsburgh, with 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games for the Penguins. If those numbers were stretched over a full 82-game season, they would project to 34 goals and 68 points, which is a clear sign of top-line ability. Beyond offensive production, Chinakhov looked more confident and composed defensively, which made him seem like a rising star. The key question now is whether his strong 2025-26 season was a one-time burst or a true breakout. Some believe it was a mix of both: a player who needed a new environment to thrive and a short-term hot streak that may not be fully sustainable. Even with some potential regression in his shooting percentage, Chinakhov should still remain highly productive. A goal total of 28.5 is the current line, which is still an impressive mark and reflects his growth as a consistent offensive threat.
Rickard Rakell has quietly developed into one of the most valuable players for the Penguins. His time with the team has been somewhat overlooked, especially after a down year in 2023-24. But in the previous three seasons, Rakell has consistently played at a high offensive level, averaging 32.8 goals over 82 games in each of the last two years. He has also shown great versatility, including taking on the center role when needed. At age 33, the risk of injury is a concern, as he has missed at least 10 games in two of the past four seasons. However, if he stays on the ice, there's no reason to believe he won't continue producing. His recent goal-scoring pace has been around the 30-goal mark, and with his skill set and experience, hitting 30.5 seems entirely possible. Rakell also plays under a team-friendly contract, which makes his value even more appealing for the Penguins. As long as he remains healthy, his offensive production is a consistent factor.
Rakell's Value
Tommy Novak has established himself as a reliable middle-six forward for the Penguins. His recent three-year contract extension is a clear indication of the team's confidence in his abilities. It also shows their confidence in his long-term role. On average, Novak is expected to produce between 15-20 goals. He is expected to produce between 40-45 points in a typical season. He has the talent to contribute at a high level. But his performance can also be inconsistent at times. Novak is a player who shows flashes of great skill. But sometimes struggles to maintain that level throughout the entire season. The Penguins are content with his current role as a versatile forward. He can be used in different situations across the lineup. The over/under for his average ice time per game is set at 15 minutes. This reflects his importance as a secondary player. He is not yet in the top line but plays a consistent and valuable role.
Penguins' Secondary Group
Overall, the Penguins' secondary group is expected to provide a blend of offensive production and on-ice contributions. These players may not be the face of the franchise. They play critical roles in supporting the top line. They help keep the team competitive night in and night out. Chinakhov's offensive potential, Rakell's reliability, and Novak's adaptability highlight what this group can bring to the table. Each player carries their own set of strengths and challenges. Together, they form a solid foundation. They can help the Penguins achieve their goals in the 2026-27 season.
Looking ahead, the over/under lines for these players are meant to guide expectations. They might realistically contribute based on these lines. Chinakhov's line of 28.5 goals suggests a player emerging into a regular top-line presence. But he may see a slight dip from his breakout year. Rakell's 30.5 goals line reflects the expectation that, if healthy, he could continue to hit the 30-goal mark. It would be for the third consecutive year. And Novak's ice-time projection of 15 minutes per game is a measure. It shows how much the Penguins plan on using him. It shows what kind of role he will fill. These numbers are not just random targets. They are informed by each player's performance, growth, and potential for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the 2026-27 Penguins will rely on a mix of established stars and solid depth players. The secondary group, including Chinakhov, Rakell, Novak, and others, is an integral part of that equation. These players may not always be in the spotlight, but their contributions are essential to the team's performance. With the right combination of health, development, and consistency, this group has the potential to make a significant impact and help the Penguins remain competitive throughout the season. As the over/under lines suggest, the Penguins expect these players to deliver consistent offensive output and a variety of on-ice contributions, which will be crucial for the team's overall success.