Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets Trim Training Camp Rosters Ahead of Season
9/28/2025, 11:38:40 PM
Penguins Reduce Training Camp Roster
The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially reduced their training camp roster to 58 players, as announced by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas. This decision comes as the team prepares for the upcoming NHL season, which begins on October 7 against the New York Rangers. The Penguins assigned 15 players to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton training camp of the American Hockey League (AHL), which starts on September 29 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pennsylvania. The players assigned include forwards Raivis Ansons, Brayden Edwards, Zach Gallant, Max Graham, Jordan Kaplan, Gabe Klassen, Brett Murray, and Zach Urdahl, along with defensemen David Breazeale, Tommy Budnick, Kyle Criscuolo, Brent Johnson, Daniel Laatsch, Emil Pieniniemi, and goaltender Maxim Pavlenko.
Blue Jackets Announce Roster Cuts
Similarly, the Columbus Blue Jackets have trimmed their training camp roster by 13 players, bringing the total down to 38. This roster includes 22 forwards, 12 defensemen, and four goaltenders. The Blue Jackets have loaned defensemen Caleb MacDonald and Guillaume Richard to the Cleveland Monsters, their AHL affiliate. Additionally, they placed Dysin Mayo, Hunter McKown, Zach Sawchenko, and Owen Sillinger on waivers for reassignment to the Monsters. The team also assigned Roman Ahcan, Riley Bezeau, Ole Julian Bjorgvik-Holm, Will MacKinnon, and Ryland Mosley to AHL contracts. Notably, forwards Jordan Dumais and Luca Marrelli have been designated as Injured/Non-Roster.
Importance of Roster Decisions
These roster reductions are critical as both teams finalize their lineups ahead of the regular season. The Penguins and Blue Jackets are making strategic decisions to ensure they have the best possible roster for the upcoming games. The Penguins are looking to solidify their team dynamics, while the Blue Jackets are also evaluating their prospects and making room for potential new talent.
Official Statements & Responses
Kyle Dubas emphasized the importance of these cuts in shaping the team's future, stating, "These decisions are never easy, but they are necessary for us to build a competitive roster." Meanwhile, Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell remarked, "We are excited about the depth we have in our organization and look forward to seeing how our remaining players perform in the upcoming games."
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have expressed concerns regarding the timing and impact of these cuts. Critics argue that early roster reductions may hinder player development opportunities for younger prospects, particularly those who could benefit from additional time in training camp.
What's Next
Both teams will continue to evaluate their rosters as they prepare for their respective preseason games. The Penguins are set to face the Blue Jackets in their fifth preseason matchup, providing both teams an opportunity to assess their remaining players before the regular season begins.
