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<\/a><\/p>\nSome folks might point out that Jarry had no expectations when he returned<\/a> to the Penguins at the end of last season, which is why he played well. However, that is the same situation he will face this season. In fact, there are low to no expectations on the entire team, meaning Jarry shouldn\u2019t feel much pressure coming into the year, which could actually work to his advantage. Anyone who has watched the Penguins closely understands the challenge that is the Tristan Jarry Experience\u2014he has plenty of talent, but tends to melt down whenever the game gets tough. Jarry may do what he did as a rookie and find his form at a time when his career is on the line.<\/p>\n Our next goaltender, St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington<\/a>, struggled at the start of last season, posting a .891 SV% in the first month and a half before a coaching change<\/a> brought in Jim Montgomery<\/a>. Binnington then turned his season around with a .905 SV% the rest of the year. He will have added motivation to prove he deserves to be the starting goaltender for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics. Binnington performed extremely well in the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year. Still, after Canada general manager Doug Armstrong stated last week that the battle for the goaltending spots will be an open competition<\/a>, Binnington may have the inside track, but he still needs to prove he belongs. He should also have a strong start to the season.<\/p>\n Moving up to the blueline, only one defenseman makes the list: Rasmus Andersson<\/a> of the Calgary Flames. Andersson had a challenging 2024-25 season, posting his lowest point total in four years and finishing with a negative shot attempt differential for the first time since the shortened 2020-21 season, with an even-strength CF% of just 49.1. However, Andersson has a history of bouncing back after tough seasons, as he was excellent in the 2021-22 season following the pandemic-shortened year.<\/p>\n There is cause for optimism with Andersson, as he played part of the season<\/a> with a broken fibula, which likely affected his performance; however, he should be healthy to start the season. He will also be highly motivated this year, as it is his last contract year and unrestricted free agency is approaching. If he can return to his previous level of play, he will secure a lucrative long-term deal. If not, he might face less money or a prove-it contract.<\/p>\n Moving to the forwards, Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews<\/a> experienced a down year last season, with his goal-scoring production dropping by a significant 36 goals. The 27-year-old still tallied a solid 33 goals and 45 assists in 67 games, but he shot over three percent below his career average and is unlikely to replicate that number in the upcoming season. Matthews wasn\u2019t nearly as dangerous last year as in previous seasons and admitted after the season<\/a> that he played the entire year through an injury. If he is back to 100% this season, it isn\u2019t unreasonable to expect the three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner to return to form and compete for the league\u2019s goal-scoring title once again.<\/p>\n Another star who experienced a significant drop in production last season was Vancouver Canucks centre Elias Pettersson<\/a>. The 26-year-old saw his offensive output nearly halve, dropping from 89 points in 2023-24 to just 45 points last season (15 goals and 30 assists in 64 games). Pettersson had a well-documented rift with his former teammate, J.T. Miller<\/a>, which likely impacted his performance on the ice considerably. It\u2019s unlikely that Pettersson will match his career highs set in 2022-23 (39 goals and 63 assists in 80 games), but it\u2019s not hard to envisage a scenario where his numbers revert to his career average. The Canucks really need the old Pettersson to re-emerge, as they are committed to another seven seasons at $11.6MM annually.<\/p>\n Sticking with centers, we have Evgeni Malkin<\/a> of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Malkin isn\u2019t likely to rediscover his game next year at the age of 39; however, he was relatively productive last season, given the cast of characters he played with. Malkin had very little help on the Penguins\u2019 second line last season, playing with Philip Tomasino<\/a>, Anthony Beauvillier<\/a>, Cody Glass<\/a>, and Michael Bunting<\/a>. Now, he did get a good chunk of time on Sidney Crosby<\/a>\u2019s wing (and was quite productive), but when tasked with running a line on his own, he wasn\u2019t given much in the way of help. Much of Malkin\u2019s production next season will hinge on who he is set up with; if he gets solid linemates, he will produce. If he is given the likes of Danton Heinen<\/a>, Connor Dewar<\/a>, or Kevin Hayes<\/a> again, it will be a long season.<\/p>\n Malkin is entering what could be his final NHL season, and he will be motivated to prove he still belongs in the league. It\u2019s hard to imagine the Penguins not giving Malkin more support this season, especially since they currently have an improved forward core.<\/p>\n