The Pittsburgh Penguins look to revitalize their minor league system and create a more competitive culture in the organization.

As the careers of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang have started to wind down, it makes sense that the Pittsburgh Penguins wouldn’t put as much focus on their prospect pool.

The Penguins have been in ‘win-now mode’ for the better part of two decades and their American Hockey League affiliate team have been feeling the brunt of that decision making.

Ever since Mike Sullivan was elevated to head coach at the NHL level, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins haven’t been able to put together outstanding seasons.

It seems as though, with a new management group on the horizon, Sullivan wants to gear a new focus on WBS.

According to Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey, in a 32 Thoughts style write up, he mentioned that there are big changes coming to the WBS Penguins system and Sullivan is spearheading the charge.

Androckitis states that Sullivan and Fenway Sports Group (FSG) hope to have a more day-to-day presence in WBS.

Whether that means finding a new general manager for the AHL affiliate or just more boots on the ground, there is expected to be a push for more success at that level.

The WBS Penguins finished last in their division this past season and haven’t put up a truly deep playoff run since 2014.

FSG’s plan is to build an AHL affiliate that can be just as competitive as the NHL club; Sullivan wants his prospects to develop in a winning environment.

Sullivan may not have given his recent AHL recalls a ton of opportunity at the NHL level, but he knows how important it is to build from within.

The WBS Penguins will be an intriguing watch for the 2023-24 season as a few high profile prospects will get their first real taste of the organization.

Goalie prospect Joel Blomqvist signed a contract that should make him a regular in North America and Owen Pickering should see more time at the AHL level.

The Penguins want their AHL affiliate to be a breeding ground for successful and competitive players, those are aspects that have gotten lost over the last few seasons.

It was AHL recalls like Conor Sheary, Bryan Rust, Jake Guentzel, and Matt Murray that pushed the Penguins over the edge to win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.

That doesn’t even mention the depth that was brought from the WBS Penguins during those runs like Tom Kuhnhackl, Scott Wilson, or Carter Rowney.

A strong AHL affiliate should translate to a much more competitive NHL squad when those players are called upon.

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