The Pittsburgh Penguins have experienced two decades alongside their captain Sidney Crosby, whose remarkable career shows no signs of slowing down. While Crosby has captured much of the spotlight, numerous other players within the organization have contributed significantly during this era, often without receiving the recognition they deserve. This article highlights five such underappreciated Sidney Crosby Penguins underappreciated players who quietly delivered essential performances for the team.

Evgeni Malkin: A Generational Talent Often Overlooked

Evgeni Malkin became part of the Penguins in 2006 and has been a cornerstone of the franchise ever since. Marking his 1,000th game with Pittsburgh in 2022, Malkin has maintained an average of at least one point per game in 15 of his 19 seasons. His accolades include the Hart Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, three Stanley Cup championships, and a Calder Trophy, illustrating his elite level of play.

Despite these achievements, the NHL surprisingly omitted Malkin from its list of the top 100 players in 2017. This oversight is often attributed to the high number of games he has missed—in his first 16 seasons, he sat out 251 contests. Nevertheless, whenever Malkin has been near full health, he has been acknowledged as a dominant force and a generational star. The Penguins will face a difficult challenge replacing his talent when he eventually retires.

Brian Dumoulin: The Dependable Defensive Backbone

Brian Dumoulin served the Penguins for ten seasons as one of the most reliable defensemen in the team’s history. His primary role was that of a defensive specialist, effectively acting as Kris Letang’s dependable partner. Dumoulin’s steady presence on the blue line allowed Letang to adopt a more aggressive offensive style, ultimately boosting the team’s overall defensive balance.

During his tenure, Dumoulin blocked 816 shots and played a crucial role in helping Pittsburgh secure two Stanley Cup titles. His constant commitment to defensive responsibilities made him invaluable, despite often working behind the scenes without much fanfare.

Olli Maatta: Consistency and Smart Defensive Play

Selected 22nd overall in the 2012 NHL Draft, defenseman Olli Maatta quickly made an impression during his rookie season in 2013-14 by tallying nine goals and 29 points in 78 games. His game was characterized by smoothness and strong positional play rather than flashiness. Maatta’s ability to be where he needed to be enabled him to consistently move the puck forward and contribute positively to transitional plays.

In his six seasons with Pittsburgh, Maatta recorded 565 blocked shots and 440 hits. His steady efforts helped solidify the Penguins’ defensive core and provided valuable depth that supported the team’s championship ambitions.

Carl Hagelin: Speed and Defensive Grit on the HBK Line

Carl Hagelin joined the Penguins during the 2015-16 season and soon became an integral part of the renowned HBK line. While Phil Kessel often attracted the headlines, Hagelin’s game-changing speed was what made the line formidable. His relentless pursuit of loose pucks and defensive zone tenacity helped the Penguins maintain control and transition quickly to offense.

Hagelin’s impact was particularly noticeable in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he amassed 16 points over 24 games. His efforts helped the team secure yet another championship, reinforcing the value of his hard work and fast skating.

Bryan Rust: Rising from Role Player to Offensive Threat

Drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round in 2010, Bryan Rust began his Penguins career on the fourth line during the 2014-15 season. Known for his speed and penalty-killing ability, Rust’s early inconsistency kept him from standing out initially. However, the 2019-20 season marked a turning point when he scored 27 goals.

Since then, Rust has scored at least 20 goals every season, achieving a career-high 31 goals in the most recent campaign. His persistent work ethic and determination earned him a spot on the top line, where he continues to surpass expectations. Despite his impressive production, Rust remains undervalued compared to his contributions on the ice.

Pittsburgh’s Pursuit of Grit and Emerging Talent

Throughout the Sidney Crosby era, the Penguins have been fortunate to feature extraordinary talent in their locker room, blending star power with physical, gritty players who excel in less glamorous roles. Finding athletes willing to perform this demanding style of play remains a challenge for the organization.

As the Penguins enter a phase of rebuilding, general manager Kyle Dubas is undoubtedly focused on identifying and recruiting these types of impactful players who can help sustain the franchise’s competitive edge. The legacy of these five underappreciated athletes underscores the value of perseverance and teamwork in Pittsburgh’s ongoing quest for success.