The Pittsburgh Penguins and their top prospects are ready to show they can be organizational difference makers some day.

The Pittsburgh Penguins rookie team will have quite the hill to climb at the 2023 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. Matching up against the developmental squads from the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators, the Penguins prospects will likely deploy a less notable lineup, compared to some of the rosters full of high-end draft picks.

Despite the disparity, the games will be an excellent challenge and evaluation tool for some of the Penguins’ best youngsters. Here’s what to watch for over the next few days of the 2023 Prospects Challenge.

1. Brayden Yager Looking As Advertised

The most important part of this weekend is giving Brayden Yager an extended look in a Pittsburgh Penguins uniform. The 14th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft headlines a rather pedestrian group of prospects, and he looks to prove he is the far and away most exciting prospect in the pipeline.

One matchup of note will be Yager versus Zach Benson of the Buffalo Sabres. Benson was selected just one pick before Yager, and both project to be top of the lineup players for their teams.

In his analysis of Yager, Kyle Dubas lauded his ability to control play and contribute all over the ice. This rookie challenge will be his first big chance to prove Dubas right. Matching up against Benson, and some other top young talent will be an excellent opportunity for Yager and the Penguins.

2. Future Goaltenders

The future of goaltending in Pittsburgh is secure with the extension of Tristan Jarry this summer. Behind him, however, there is no clear heir apparent in the system. There are a pair of goaltenders who can potentially change this in Pittsburgh.

Joel Blomqvist is a former second round pick who put up respectable numbers over 21 appearances in the top Finnish league. He has a fluidity and steadiness to his game that can translate to the NHL, but his game is far from complete. Will he stand out or will anyone else catch the eyes of the organization?

3. Can Sam Poulin Stand Out?

After missing time last season for mental health reasons, Sam Poulin is looking to reclaim his spot as one of the Penguins’ top prospects. It might be his last chance to do so as you won’t be able to call Poulin a prospect for much longer.

Poulin needs to use this tournament, and following training camp to prove his has what it takes to play in the NHL. The call might not come right away, but with a little perseverance, there’s no reason why he couldn’t end the season on the NHL squad. He’ll just need to get off on the right foot and that all starts with the Prospect Challenge.

The Penguins can start a new chapter in their youth development system with a strong showing in Buffalo. Despite having limited draft choices over recent years, the team has a handful of players with potential to be NHL contributors and even more. The 2023 challenge will be a golden opportunity to show the future in Pittsburgh is brighter than it seems. 

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