What AHL players can use the postseason as an audition for the Pittsburgh Penguins?
What AHL players can use the postseason as an audition for the Pittsburgh Penguins?
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins might not be playing in the postseason, but their AHL affiliate is. A 39-win season, they earned the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins third place in the Atlantic Division and a matchup with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the opening round of the Calder Cup playoffs.
The Penguins enter the postseason with different seasons ending. The NHL club is done for the year, meaning players with two-way contracts have rejoined Wilkes-Barre for the playoff run. Similarly, a group of exciting prospects is arriving just in time for the postseason.
Forwards Ville Koivunen, Cooper Foster, defensemen Owen Pickering, and Emil Pieniniemi are all looking to impress following their respective junior/European seasons.
All in all, there is exciting playoff hockey to watch in the Penguins' organization. Not only that, but there are several players hoping to use this postseason as proof that they are ready for the next level. Which players are the Penguins keeping a close eye on when the puck drops between the Baby Pens and the Phantoms?
2024-25 Roster Hopefuls:
Joel Blomqvist, Sam Poulin, Jonathan Gruden, Vasily Ponomarev
The jewel of this crop of prospects is goaltender Joel Blomqvist. He's been nothing short of sensational in his first season in North America, transitioning seamlessly to the AHL. A run in the Calder Cup playoffs could signify the end of Alex Nedeljkovic in Pittsburgh, as Blomqvist could be in line for a timeshare with Tristan Jarry.
The forward group of Sam Poulin, Jonathan Gruden, and Vasily Ponomarev should each be contending for a bottom six role in Pittsburgh next season. Poulin really put it together once he returned from injury, posting 31 points in just 41 games. His game is ready for the next level, and he could put a stamp on a breakout year by helping Wilkes-Barre on a deep run.
The same can be said for both Gruden and Ponomarev. Each player looks right on the cusp of being a full-time NHL contributor. Gruden's hard-nosed game is tailor-made for a fourth line role at the NHL level, and Ponomarev has the inside track on the vacant center position in Pittsburgh next season.
2025 and Beyond
Owen Pickering, Ville Koivunen, Tristan Broz
There is a youth movement already underway in Pittsburgh. The first small wave should hit next year, but there are even more reinforcements coming soon. Forward Tristan Broz is getting his first taste of AHL action after an impressive season in the NCAA. He is a few years away still, but this is a huge opportunity for him to continue adding to his terrific year.
Owen Pickering returns for the second year after his junior season finished up, looking to take another step towards being a top four defenseman in the NHL. He struggled in his first 10 professional games, but another season of experience and additional strength should serve him well against the physical Phantoms. He is going to start next season in Wilkes-Barre, but he can leave an excellent impression to build on for if he can stick out in the playoffs.
Ville Koivunen is the most intriguing of this group of players. He was the second highest scorer for Karpat in the Finnish Elite League at just 20 years old, and he brings an intriguing scoring potential to the Baby Pens. He has the toolkit of a top-six winger, and while he will need time to adjust to the North American style, he could be contributing in Pittsburgh much sooner than expected.
The Penguins kick off their playoff quest with a best of three series against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Hopefully they can go on a long run and give the organization ample opportunity for players to earn a shot at the NHL in 2024.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Penguins Defenseman to Join Sweden at World Championship
Penguins Looking For Multiple Bounce Back Performances
Report: Veteran Forward Never Wanted to Join Penguins
Former Penguins Forward Makes Hurricanes Championship Favorite
Referee Injured During Penguins Game Returns for Playoffs
- undefined
- undefined