Pittsburgh Penguins fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season.

Sidney Crosby, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 12

Reason for optimism: Crosby ranks second among active NHL players in career points per game (1.26) behind Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers (1.49) and second in goals (550) behind Alex Ovechkin (822) of the Washington Capitals. Crosby has six career 100-point seasons and should be considered in the first round of fantasy drafts again after the Penguins acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks on Aug. 6.

NHL.com point projection: 102

Erik Karlsson, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 35

Reason for optimism: Karlsson won the Norris Trophy, voted as the NHL's top defenseman last season, and is one of six different defensemen in League history to have at least 100 points in a season (career-high 101). Karlsson remains a top-five fantasy defenseman option going from rebuilding San Jose to joining Pittsburgh's elite core with Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang -- revitalizing the Penguins' Stanley Cup chances after they missed the playoffs last season.

NHL.com point projection: 86

Evgeni Malkin, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 59

Reason for optimism: Malkin ranks fourth among active NHL players in career points per game (1.16) and is coming off his best season (83 points in 82 games) since 2017-18 (98 points). Malkin, a three-time 100-point player, still has plenty of strong wing options on the second line and could benefit from playing alongside Reilly Smith, who was acquired from the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights on June 28.

NHL.com point projection: 87

Jake Guentzel, LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 80

Reason for optimism: Despite having offseason ankle surgery and being uncertain for the start of this season, Guentzel has a high fantasy ceiling with power-play exposure to Pittsburgh's elite skaters and also being Crosby's frequent even-strength linemate. Guentzel, a two-time 40-goal scorer, is tied for 14th in the NHL in goals since 2018-19 (159) and averages more than a hit per game (83 in 78 games last season; 1.2 per game in career).

NHL.com point projection: 79

Kris Letang, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 116

Reason for optimism: Letang ranks sixth among active NHL defensemen in career points per game (0.69). Although Letang and Karlsson each shoots right, they could form a rare two-defenseman set on the first power-play unit, and be the best fantasy duo at the position for this season.

NHL.com point projection: 62

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Other PIT players to consider in fantasy: Rickard Rakell, LW/RW; Tristan Jarry, G; Bryan Rust, RW; Reilly Smith, LW/RW