Ranking the Penguins Top 10 Prospects
After adding to a bare cupboard at the 2023 NHL Draft, what does the Pittsburgh Penguins' prospect pool look like?
It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Penguins have one of the worst group of prospects in the NHL. The cost of mortgaging the future has come to a head, and Kyle Dubas is fully aware of the monumental task it is to restock the proverbial prospect cupboard while continuing to win. Even after a solid 2023 NHL Draft, the Penguins' pool falls somewhere in the bottom five.
So, are there any real threats to the NHL waiting in the wings for the Penguins? The list took a hit this off-season with young players Filip Linderg and Filip Hallander both signing contracts in Europe, making it unlikely they will contribute in Pittsburgh anytime soon.
Let's take a look at their top 10 prospects going into the 2023-2024 season.
1. Brayden Yager - Forward (2023 1st Round Draft Pick)
The jewel of this class, Brayden Yager has the most upside potential of anyone on this list. He could be a second line center, and a possible 60-70 point scorer in the league. He needs the time to develop, but he's by far the most exciting prospect in the system in over a decade.
NHL ETA: 2025-26
2. Owen Pickering - Defenseman (2022 1st Round Draft Pick)
Owen Pickering is a big, steady, mobile defenseman that projects to be a second pairing defender with a quality team. After finishing his junior season, he played a handful of games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, getting a taste of the professional game. He needs a few more years to fill out and become sturdier in his own end, but he appears certain to be an NHL player in the near future.
NHL ETA: 2026
3. Joel Blomqvist- Goaltender (2020 2nd Round Draft Pick)
Goaltending is such a volatile position, but there is a glimmer of hope when you watch Joel Blomqvist. Smooth and composed in net, he has the tools and athleticism to be an NHL goaltender. Playing in the Finnish professional league, he put up great numbers in a split role, with a 2.29 GAA and save percentage of .907%. It's unclear if
NHL ETA: 2026
4. Sam Poulin - Forward (2019 1st Round Draft Pick)
Once highly touted, Sam Poulin has overcome a lot to remain a highly ranked prospect for the Penguins. His skillset is nearly NHL ready, displayed by an assist in three NHL appearances last season. He projects to be a third line winger with a nice scoring touch.
He took some time away from the game to focus on his mental health, and he's still getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully he can stay healthy and keep receiving the support he needs as he continues his journey to the NHL. If available, he figures to be one of the first injury call-ups to the Pens' roster this upcoming season.
NHL ETA: 2023-24
5. Tristan Broz - Forward (2021 2nd Round Draft Pick)
After a disappointing freshman season and a transfer to a new university, Tristan Broz finally looked like the second round talent the Penguins saw in 2021. This past season with the University of Denver, Broz put up 28 points in 40 games in a top six role. He's a skilled center with excellent vision, and there is middle six NHL potential to his game. If he continues this upward trajectory, he could become a promising player in a few more years.
NHL ETA: 2026-27
6. Jonathan Gruden - Forward (Acquired from Ottawa in trade for Matt Murray)
One of three players on this list with NHL game experience, Jonathan Gruden is a forward that still has hopes of being a contributor at the top level. He's improved his point total each season in Wilkes-Barre, and brought a fiesty speed element to his three appearances with the Penguins this past season. He projects to be a bottom six forward at best, but will have trouble cracking the Pens' lineup this season.
NHL ETA: 2024
7. Valtteri Puustinen - Forward (2019 7th Round Draft Pick)
An incredibly talented player with the puck, it was a shock that Valtteri Puustinen never saw the ice for the Penguins this past season. He's put up back-to-back 20+ goal and 40+ point seasons with Wilkes-Barre, and has been a critical part of their powerplay. His defensive game is lacking, and will probably hinder him from ever finding a true role with the NHL team. However, he can be a scoring threat any time he is on the ice and may be worth a shot to mix up the bottom six.
NHL ETA: 2023
8. Sergei Murashov- Goaltender (2022 4th Round Draft Pick)
Despite being unknown, the Penguins' fourth round pick last season should not overlooked. Sergei Murashov was one of the best goaltenders in the KHL's top junior league this past season. He may not ever cross over to North America, but he is a prospect to keep an eye on moving forward.
NHL ETA: 2027
9. Zam Plante - Forward (2022 5th Round Draft Pick)
An undersized, speedy, skilled forward, the Penguins are hopeful Zam Plante's development will reset this upcoming season. He had a tough season split between two teams in the USHL, but is committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for this upcoming season. He should benefit greatly from the NCAA coaching and competition, hopefully bolstering his strength and decision making enough to make him a future NHL'er.
NHL ETA: 2027-28
10. Cooper Foster - Forward (2023 6th Round Draft Pick)
The second member from the 2023 draft class, Cooper Foster is a long term project that could reap huge dividends. He played in a bottom six role for his OHL team this past season, but still managed 18 goals. Foster also brings a tenacious work ethic and has continuously improved and succeeded at each new level. The Pens are hoping he takes another step with more minutes and opportunity this upcoming season. In a few years, he could be knocking on the door.
NHL ETA: 2027-28
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