Pittsburgh Penguins fantasy projections for 2024-25

Crosby continues to be a first-round mainstay, while Rust has the potential to be a steal in the draft.

As part of NHL.com’s 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has ranked the top 5 players on the Pittsburgh Penguins and identified other preseason draft targets with point and win projections for the 2024-25 season.

1. Sidney Crosby, F

NHL.com point projection: 97

Last season, Crosby ranked seventh in the NHL for even-strength points, accumulating 71 in 82 games, and was tied for 12th in overall points with a total of 94. He has reached the 90-point threshold in consecutive seasons, demonstrating consistent elite performance potential. Crosby is a viable top-10 overall pick in fantasy drafts.

Crosby skillfully redirects Pettersson’s pass into the net in the game between Pittsburgh and Chicago.

2. Evgeni Malkin, F

NHL.com point projection: 70

Last season, Malkin accumulated 67 points, consisting of 27 goals and 40 assists, over 82 games. However, his performance in the two preceding seasons saw him averaging over 1.00 points per game. Among the Penguins, he came second in terms of power-play points (18) and even-strength points (49). Malkin still has the potential to score 30 goals and is considered a top-75 forward in fantasy and a borderline top-100 player overall.

Malkin scores his second goal from close range in the TBL vs PIT game.

3. Kris Letang, D

NHL.com point projection: 55

Last season, Letang ranked 18th among NHL defensemen, securing 51 points (10 goals, 41 assists) in 82 games. In the 2021-22 season with Pittsburgh, he achieved an NHL career-high of 68 points (10 goals, 58 assists) over 78 games. In terms of fantasy, Letang should be viewed as a potential top 30 defenseman option.

Letang smashes a shot that hits the post and goes in during the PIT@BOS game.

4. Erik Karlsson, D

NHL.com point projection: 55

Last season, Karlsson ranked third on the Penguins, securing 56 points (11 goals, 45 assists) in 82 games. His position on their top power play gives him great value in the lineup. Karlsson has demonstrated high potential, achieving 101 points (25 goals, 76 assists) in 82 games with the San Jose Sharks in the 2022-23 season. In fantasy, Karlsson, alongside Letang, should be seen as a borderline top-30 defenseman option.

Karlsson powerfully hits a one-timer at the Pittsburgh game, doubling the lead for Nashville.

5. Bryan Rust, F

NHL.com point projection: 60

Last season, Rust ranked second on Pittsburgh, scoring 28 goals in 62 games and averaging the second-highest goals per game (0.45). Despite missing 20 games, he was third in line for the Penguins with 56 points. His goal-scoring ability suggests that he should be considered around the 175th pick in fantasy drafts, and he has the potential to be a great value pick.

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Other PIT players on preseason draft lists:

Sleeper candidate: Michael Bunting, F (point projection: 53)