3 questions facing Pittsburgh Penguins

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, three important questions facing the Pittsburgh Penguins.

1. Is there enough to support the core?

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the top two centers, and Kris Letang, a top-pair defenseman, haven't slowed much, even entering their 18th season as teammates. But they do need more help.

Crosby, 36, led the Penguins with 93 points (33 goals, 60 assists) last season. Malkin, 37, was second with 83 points (27 goals, 56 assists). Letang, 36, led Pittsburgh's defensemen with 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists).

But there was little more contribution outside of the top-six forward group. Jeff Carter led the bottom-six forwards with 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists). Drew O'Connor (11 points; five goals, six assists) scored the next most among forwards still with the Penguins.

Reilly Smith was acquired in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights on June 28 and possibly will join Malkin on the second line. Forwards Lars Eller, Noel Acciari and Matt Nieto each signed July 1, adding depth to the bottom two lines.

Likely most helpful, defenseman Erik Karlsson was acquired from the San Jose Sharks on Aug. 6 in a three-team trade involving the Montreal Canadiens. He won the Norris Trophy voted as the NHL's best defenseman last season, leading San Jose with 101 points (25 goals, 76 assists).

2. How are Karlsson and Letang deployed?

Karlsson's addition provides Pittsburgh with a unique setup.

The 33-year-old averaged 25:37 of ice time last season. Letang averaged 24:51. The Penguins probably don't want to cut the minutes for either.

The solution is simple. Karlsson and Letang, across two separate defense pairs, could combine for about 50 minutes per game, president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas said.

"I think both are extraordinarily well conditioned," Dubas said. "Kris' competitiveness is well-renowned. Erik's competitiveness will stand out as everyone in the room gets to know him. But both have shown, in the past, to be able to take on massive minutes. And I think we want to be cognizant of that as we go through the regular season."

3. Will Tristan Jarry take the next step?

Jarry signed a five-year, $26.875 million contract on July 1 to stay in Pittsburgh. In seven NHL seasons, he is 117-60-20 with a 2.65 goals-against average and .914 save percentage in 206 games (198 starts).

The 28-year-old has proven to be a quality goalie in the regular season. His pedigree in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is what remains in question. Jarry is 2-6 with a 3.00 GAA and .891 save percentage in eight postseason starts.

For the Penguins to compete for the Stanley Cup, Jarry will have to flip that playoff narrative, but must help them return to the postseason first.

"Signing a long-term deal, you want to be able to perform and you want to be able to do everything in your power to be able to perform," Jarry said. "I think that's something that I really want to do and really want to strive for this year."