Labor Day thoughts: Return of the hard working Penguins?

The Pens could be grittier than years

Hope you’re enjoying the unofficial end of summer fun known as Labor Day weekend.

The concept of Labor Day is something we’ve piggybacked off of before a couple of years ago to give some shoutouts to some of our favorite hard working players. The thought strikes today that the Penguins could be headed back in that direction.

Blake Lizotte is a player who I think could be a real cult-favorite type in Pittsburgh. Although small (which really just has the effect to make him look faster and working harder), Lizotte is the type of player that will sell out to do what it takes to make a play, block a shot, get on the forecheck. He’s young, fast and hungry — three items the Pens can desperately use. And he isn’t a Jansen Harkins devoid of hands and all threat to score, Lizotte should chip in a little.

Noel Acciari brings the “oh, yeah, he’s still here” vibes after a forgettable first season. Still don’t love that Pittsburgh gave him a three-year contract that keeps him around until age-34 and the end of the 2025-26 season. But Acciari is heart and soul, he’s a player the coaches love (seriously if you had a dime for every time Mike Sullivan calls him a warrior...) and always going to give an honest effort. Hopefully 2024-25 goes better for him than the previous season did.

And then you’ve got Rutger McGroarty. Pittsburgh is really going to fall in love with this kid, he can throw a big hit, he goes to the net and scores goals. He should bring what’s been missing since Patric Hornqvist for that player who isn’t a great skater but has the tenacity and will power to make up for it. The enthusiasm, skill and drive he possesses is a tantalizing mix that every team dreams of adding to their locker-room.

With the new additions of players like Lizotte and McGroarty the Pens get younger, and they’ll get a little more dog in their group as the saying goes. This team won’t be turned over in one fell swoop to adopt a completely blue collar type of attitude, but adding players like this should make the team more competitive and difficult to play against.

Labor Day is the end of summer, and with the changing of the seasons comes a return to hockey. For those who can appreciate the aspects of players that empty the tank every shift and make effort a priority, the Penguins should be a little more enjoyable to watch in the coming year.