The Pittsburgh Penguins are assessing Filip Hallander, a 26-year-old forward poised to play a pivotal role this season after overcoming a blood clot that limited his ice time last year. Originally drafted in 2018 and having a tumultuous journey, Hallander's recent performance in the SHL saw him average over a point per game, leading his team in scoring. The Penguins now face decisions on roster spots, with Hallander competing against several promising players for a bottom-six role. His contract situation and waiver eligibility add complexity to his potential assignment. Ultimately, Hallander's performance could prove critical for Pittsburgh’s depth and trade strategy moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Hallander scored 26 goals and registered 27 assists in 51 games during the 2024-25 SHL season.
  • He played 13 NHL games last season, scoring 1 goal and 3 assists while averaging 13:09 of ice time.
State of Play
  • Pittsburgh has a deep forward lineup with 16-18 potentially NHL-ready players, complicating roster decisions.
  • Hallander is competing against forwards like Rutger McGroarty and Hendrix Lapierre for playing time.
  • Due to waiver rules, a demotion to the AHL is risky for Hallander if the Penguins choose that route.
What's Next

As training camp approaches, the Penguins will evaluate Hallander's performance closely. Depending on his success in preseason, he may secure a spot on the roster or face the possibility of waivers. Should he perform well, Hallander could become a valuable depth asset or trade chip for the Penguins. Conversely, failure to impress could see him leave the organization.

Bottom Line

Hallander is a key player to watch this season, representing both the potential for impact at the NHL level and the risk of being left off the roster. His ability to leverage his SHL success into tangible NHL contributions could significantly influence the Penguins' depth and trading strategy.