Pittsburgh Penguins roster projections for the upcoming season place forward Nicholas Robertson at a 20.5 goals over/under line, according to team analysis. Entering the season at 24 years old, Robertson has averaged a 17-goal pace per 82 games across his career, increasing to a 19-goal pace over the last three seasons while playing limited depth minutes averaging 12 minutes per game, as reported by team evaluators.
Nicholas Robertson Goals Over/Under Analysis
Robertson ranks highly on a per-minute production scale. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, his 1.09 goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play places him 29th among 517 forwards logging at least 500 minutes of ice time, tying him with Jack Eichel and Jordan Kyrou, according to league tracking data.
The Penguins acquired Robertson as part of a broader roster strategy targeting players in their early-to-mid-20s with strong rate stats from lesser roles. Previous additions fitting this mold include Egor Chinakhov and Elmer Soderblom. Team management expects an increased role to translate his efficiency into higher overall goal production.
Andrei Kuzmenko Point and Goal Projections
Veteran forward Andrei Kuzmenko enters the lineup with a 20.5 goals over/under line on a one-year prove-it contract. Kuzmenko’s career trajectory mirrors Anthony Mantha’s path with the club a year prior, featuring a mix of scoring track record, recent injuries, and short-term commitment terms.
Kuzmenko broke into the league with 39 goals and a 27 percent shooting percentage, later adding 22 goals in his second campaign. Over his subsequent 118 games, he scored 24 goals while bouncing across three different teams in three years, according to league transaction records. He maintained a shooting percentage of 18 percent or higher in three of his four seasons.
Depth Forward Projections: Hendrix Lapierre
Forward Hendrix Lapierre carries a 10.5 points over/under line following his acquisition as an early offseason addition. Analysts project him to fill a depth role on the fourth line or serve as an extra forward due to established roster depth.
Lapierre has recorded 47 points in 158 career games. While his rate stats remain passable, the crowded forward group limits his immediate path to higher-minute deployment or major offensive output, according to club assessments.
Blue Line Additions: Kaedan Korczak and Declan Carlile
Defenceman Kaedan Korczak opens camp with a 15.5 points over/under line. While posting a modest offensive pace of 20 points per 82 games—including 16 points in 74 contests—Korczak generated strong possession metrics in sheltered minutes with the Vegas Golden Knights, driving play and out-chancing opponents.
Declan Carlile enters with a 20.5 points over/under line. Observers compare his profile to Parker Wotherspoon’s trajectory prior to joining Pittsburgh. Carlile posted strong performances after stepping into an NHL role with the Tampa Bay Lightning, positioning him as a candidate for an expanded defensive workload.
Did You Know? The Penguins turned over half of their defensive lineup during the offseason, adding Korczak, Carlile, and Trevor van Riemsdyk alongside organizational prospects Harrison Brunicke and Owen Pickering.
Trevor van Riemsdyk Plus-Minus Outlook
Defenceman Trevor van Riemsdyk is assigned a plus-10 over/under rating for the upcoming campaign. Over the past four seasons, van Riemsdyk registered plus-minus totals of plus-10, minus-7, plus-20, and plus-6, establishing himself as a reliable defensive presence.
The Penguins had six players finish at plus-10 or better during the previous season. Team architects added van Riemsdyk to anchor a restructured defensive corps aimed at closing the gap with top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nicholas Robertson’s goals over/under line?
Robertson’s goals line is set at 20.5, backed by his high per-minute 5-on-5 scoring efficiency.
How does Andrei Kuzmenko’s contract structure impact the team?
Kuzmenko plays on a one-year, short-term prove-it deal, positioning him as both an offensive contributor and a potential trade asset.
What role is projected for Hendrix Lapierre?
Lapierre is projected primarily for fourth-line or extra forward duties due to deep organizational forward depth.
How many defensive players did the Penguins add in the offseason?
The club turned over half of its defensive lineup by bringing in Kaedan Korczak, Declan Carlile, and Trevor van Riemsdyk.
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