Vets on the bubble: Who needs a good camp for the Penguins

Key Points:

• The Pittsburgh Penguins have recently prioritized player performance over contract size and experience, waiving several established players like Tristan Jarry, Danton Heinen, and Ryan Graves to the AHL despite their NHL tenure and salaries.
• Ryan Graves faces a challenging training camp as he must compete against younger defensemen to secure a roster spot, with his future on the team uncertain due to inconsistent NHL play.
• Hendrix Lapierre, acquired for a third-round pick, needs to improve defensively and find a defined role, as his recent performance has been underwhelming and his position on the team is unclear.
• Justin Brazeau, despite a career-high 17 goals last season, may struggle to maintain a roster spot due to increased competition from new and younger wingers, though injuries in camp could improve his chances.
• Ville Koivunen, carrying a $4 million cap hit, presents a unique dilemma for the Penguins; his future could range from a regular NHL role to waiver placement, with his strong AHL performance complicating decisions.
• A strong training camp performance will be critical for these players, as limited practice and exhibition games will quickly shape roster decisions amid a competitive and fluid team environment.