With a surprising third-place finish in their preliminary pool at the world under-18s, Germany showed that their junior program has a rosy future. One of the most exciting players on that U-18 team was also the youngest: center Max Penkin, who's eligible for the 2027 NHL draft.
The first player to be granted exceptional status to join the German U-20 league a year early, Penkin put up impressive numbers for Jungadler Mannheim before donning his nation’s jersey at the under-18s in Texas. And getting to play powerhouse countries such as Sweden and the U.S. only made the experience better.
“It was nice to see how they play and how good they are,” Penkin said. “It’s a nice experience with the older guys and my mates. It’s fun, and it’s a high level.”
Penkin plays at a high level himself. He rang up 50 points in 41 games for Mannheim before helping Jungadler to a title with 14 points in 11 playoff games. Mannheim and Team Germany shared several players, including diminutive and dynamic Dustin Willhoft and two-way forward brothers Gustavs and Rihards Griva.
“It was good because when we practised, we could challenge each other and see how good we were,” Penkin said. “In games, we used that skill, and we won the championship.”
Considering some of the elite talents who have come out of Germany in recent years – Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stutzle and Moritz Seider, for example – it’s wild that Penkin was the first to be granted exceptional status. But he wasn’t intimidated by the challenge.
“I always played with older guys, but not as old as this year,” Penkin said. “But it seems normal for me, and I had fun with those older guys, getting new experiences.”
A wicked scorer who elevates his game when his team needs him the most, Penkin also plays with a competitive edge, not unlike Connor Bedard.
“Obviously, a lot can happen until his NHL draft year,” one scout said. “But I’d go as far as to say he’s the most talented player I’ve seen in Germany since Tim Stutzle, though not quite as good as Stutzle at the same age.”
While it would be tempting for us in North America to dream about seeing Penkin in a major-junior uniform as soon as possible, his plans right now are all about Mannheim. That’s where he’s from, and that’s the team he grew up watching, particularly left winger Matthias Plachta. The next goal for Penkin is to put on a DEL jersey.
“Next year, I will stay with the U-20 team, and hopefully, I can get some games with the pros,” he said. “I’m ready to go to the pros, but not for the whole season. There’s no rush.”
It will be worth following Penkin throughout his journey because the early returns suggest he’ll be an impact player for Germany and, eventually, for one lucky NHL team in the coming years.
This article appeared in our 2025 Draft Preview issue. Our cover story focuses on the New York Islanders' first overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, who has excelled despite the personal losses of his past. We also include features on other top prospects, including Michael Misa and more. In addition, we give our list of the top 100 prospects for 2025 NHL draft.
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