The Pittsburgh Penguins may see an unexpected prospect reach the NHL lineup out of training camp.

PITTSBURGH – Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins may have a fresh look to their bottom six forward group. A new look opens a great opportunity for a key prospect in the Penguins system.

For the first time in his career, Jonathan Gruden has a chance to crack the Penguins lineup out of training camp. After signing a new two-year contract, Gruden will be among the front-runners to start the year on the fourth line.

Gruden appeared in 13 games near the end of the 2023-24 season and was given quite a few chances to grow as a professional. He scored his first career goal against the Calgary Flames and showed he isn’t afraid of the physical parts of the game.

Even though he was 23 years old at the time, Gruden picked up 35 hits in his 13-game stint. The only penalty minutes on his ledger came from a fighting major against Carolina Hurricanes forward Stefan Noesen.

While Gruden may feel like a long shot considering the players ahead of him in line, he may leapfrog them in the depth chart. The Penguins are looking to get younger, and he would be the youngest option in the bunch.

Emil Bemstrom and Jansen Harkins also don’t have contracts and may not return to Pittsburgh. The same goes for Vinnie Hinostroza and Radim Zohorna; no deal has been signed, and they likely won’t come back.

That opens the door for Gruden, who can easily earn a depth role in the lineup thanks to his defensive and physical prowess. An impressive training camp and preseason should put Gruden in a great position to finally become a full-time NHL player.

You won't be able to call Gruden a prospect for too much longer, and his cementing a role in the lineup would put an end to that title.

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