Several Penguins Prospects Ready for NHL
The Penguins have several players waiting for their shot at the NHL.
PITTSBURGH -- For the Pittsburgh Penguins to find success again, they need to get younger. The cost of winning those championships in 2016 and 2017 and the many failed attempts since have worn down the Penguins.
Thankfully, there are some younger reinforcements on the way. Despite having one of the worst-ranked prospect systems in the NHL, the Penguins have a handful of players ready to make the jump. Here are just a few that could be ready for a permanent role with the Penguins as soon as next season.
1. Sam Poulin
Simply put, it's time for the Penguins to take the leap with Sam Poulin. He's battled through personal adversity and injuries to finally put himself in a position to contribute to the NHL club. In addition to getting three games with the Penguins, he had his best professional season in the AHL. He had 31 points in 41 games and looked solid playing center and wing.
At age 23, Poulin is on the cusp of losing his prospect status and falling into the "first-round bust" category if he can't stick with the Penguins next season. 2024 will be a critical year for his career, and he's earned the right to get a long look in the NHL.
2. Vasily Ponomarev
One of the critical pieces in the Jake Guentzel trade, Vasily Ponomarev, is a name Penguins fans should anticipate learning sooner rather than later. The 22-year-old center could be the top choice to take over the third or fourth-line center duties in 2024. Injuries limited his games last season, but he still managed 30 points in 45 games across three different AHL rosters. He also recorded his first NHL goal and assist in 2 appearances with the Hurricanes last year.
Ponomarev plays a solid game. His playmaking isn't talked about enough, and he could surprise many people with the offensive abilities he brings to the table. The Penguins need creative solutions in their bottom six, and a skilled and determined forward like Ponomarev is a great option to turn to.
3. Jonathan Gruden
Another AHL'er ready to graduate to the NHL is Jonathan Gruden. He isn't going to be a top-six winger in the NHL, but he certainly brings everything you'd want in a fourth-line forward. He has a fast stride, he's heavy on the body, and he has just enough touch to envision him scoring five to 10 goals per year in the NHL.
It's also worth noting that Gruden looked entirely ready for the NHL in his appearances last season. His two-way, gritty style of play has exceeded the AHL, and the Penguins ought to give him a crack on the fourth line to open the 2024 campaign.
Long Shots - Brayden Yager & Ville Koivunen
If the Penguins really want to get wild, they have two incredibly promising forwards waiting in the wings. Brayden Yager is the crown jewel of the Penguins' prospects, coming off of a sensational year in the WHL and Memorial Cup appearance. At only 19, he has the makings of a top-six center in the NHL. Is he ready for the big time quite yet? Not really, but he would be exciting to watch on a nine-game tryout basis, nonetheless.
Just a bit older, Ville Koivunen is another player who will turn heads next season. The 20-year-old Finnish product is an electric playmaker and scorer who is expected to be full-time in the AHL next year. With his toolkit, the Pens would be wise to give him some time in training camp and preseason with one of their superstar centerman to see how close he really is. Similarly to Yager, it would be a long shot for Koivunen to make the jump in 2024, but the possibility is certainly there.
It may not be much of an evolution, but the Penguins have exciting young players in their ranks. That is more than the team has had for nearly a decade, with several players ready to take the next step. The Pens need to fully commit to the youth movement and give one or more of these players a shot to impact the team full-time.
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