The Pittsburgh Penguins' forward depth is a topic of much discussion, and one player who has been in the spotlight is Filip Hallander. With a complex journey to the NHL, Hallander's story is one of resilience and potential. But what does the future hold for this 26-year-old forward?
A Journey to the NHL
Filip Hallander's path to the NHL has been anything but straightforward. Drafted 58th overall in 2018, he was once considered a promising prospect for the Penguins. However, his career took an unexpected turn in 2020 when he was traded as part of the Kasperi Kapanen deal. This move, which sent Hallander to the Toronto Maple Leafs, was a significant turning point in his career.
After a brief stint in Toronto, Hallander was traded again, this time to the Penguins, in a deal that sent Jared McCann to the Maple Leafs. This move was strategic for the Penguins, as it allowed them to avoid losing McCann in the NHL Expansion Draft of 2021. Hallander's journey to the NHL continued, and he eventually signed a two-year deal with the Penguins in 2025.
The Blood Clot and Beyond
Hallander's NHL debut was cut short by a blood clot, which sidelined him for most of the season. This setback was a significant blow, but it also provided an opportunity for him to prove his worth. In 13 games with the Penguins, Hallander posted a goal and three assists, averaging 13:09 per game. While this sample size is small, it was enough to suggest that he could be an NHL player.
However, the Penguins' forward depth is already quite deep, with players like Connor Dewar, Blake Lizotte, and Elmer Soderblom already locked in. Hallander will need to prove himself in training camp and pre-season games to earn a spot on the roster.
The Fourth Line Role
Hallander's two-way play, offensive skill, and skating make him a good fit for a fourth-line role. However, he will need more time to prove himself as an NHL player. The Penguins may see things the same way, which could open the door for him to get an extended audition in Pittsburgh while players like Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty are sent back to the AHL.
The SHL Success
Hallander's success in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) is noteworthy. During the 2024-25 season, he posted 26 goals and 27 assists in 51 games, leading his team, Timra IK, in scoring. This performance is impressive, but it is not a guarantee of NHL success. However, it is a positive sign for Hallander's development.
The Trade Chip
With one year left on his contract, the Penguins could simply bide their time and give Hallander every opportunity to succeed or fail. If he succeeds, they would have a trade chip or an inexpensive depth option in a player with prime years left. If he fails, Pittsburgh could let him walk at the end of the season, knowing that his SHL success didn't translate to the NHL.
The Future of Filip Hallander
The Penguins will almost certainly need help on the left side of their defense this year, and if Hallander can bump someone out of a job, it could create an additional trade chip for Pittsburgh to work with. However, the future of Filip Hallander in Pittsburgh is uncertain. He will need to prove himself in training camp and pre-season games to earn a spot on the roster.
In my opinion, Hallander's journey to the NHL is a fascinating one, and his success in the SHL is a positive sign for his development. However, the Penguins' forward depth is already quite deep, and he will need to prove himself to earn a spot on the roster. The future of Filip Hallander in Pittsburgh is uncertain, but his story is one of resilience and potential.
