Pittsburgh Penguins top prospect and ex-Winnipeg Jet Rutger McGroarty is starting to ramp up the production at the AHL level The Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant goalie change on Wednesday, placing NHL veteran Tristan Jarry on waivers. In a corresponding move, they recalled Joel Blomqvist from the AHL, who will now partner with Alex Nedeljkovic. Although Blomqvist is no stranger to the 2024-25 Penguins, having already played eight games, it appears time for the 23-year-old to get a fair turn to be an NHL regular. Let's revisit Blomqvist's career and some of the interesting things you should know about the native of Uusikaarlepyy, Finland. WON A WORLD JUNIORS BRONZE MEDAL Blomqvist plays for Finland internationally and has worn their sweater at several junior-level competitions, including the 2020-21 World Junior Championships. Although he didn't see any action at the tournament, Blomqvist won a bronze medal as Finland defeated Russia to win their first medal since winning the event in 2019. In addition to several SM-liiga accolades, Blomqvist also won a silver medal at the U17 WHC tournament in 2018-19. SELECTED TO AHL ALL-STAR GAME AND ALL-ROOKIE TEAM Before the 2023-24 season, Blomqvist played only two games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. However, he took the AHL by storm last season, compiling a 25-12-6 record in 45 games. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pc0Xt_fYjA[/embed] He finished the year with a .921 SV% and 2.16 GAA, was selected to the AHL All-Star Classic, and was named to the league's All-Rookie Team, ranking as one of the top five netminders. SECOND FINNISH GOALIE IN PENGUINS' HISTORY There have been 71 goalies to dress a game for the Penguins in their history, yet only two have come from Finland. The first was Antti Niemi, who played only three games in 2017-18 and produced a 0-3-0 record. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yleRHO9WHcA[/embed] Then, on Oct. 10, Blomqvist became the second Finnish goalie in franchise history, picking up a 6-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings. After eight games, the 23-year-old is 3-5-0 with a 3.60 GAA and .904 SV%, statistically outperforming the regular Pittsburgh goalies before returning to the AHL in November. TWENTY-FIRST PITTSBURGH GOALIE TO FACE 50 SHOTS IN A GAME In only his fifth NHL game, Blomqvist was called upon to start against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Oct. 25, 2024, at Rogers Place. Although the Penguins lost 4-0, the young netminder made 46 saves on 50 shots. Oct 25, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Joel Blomqvist (30) makes a save on on a deflection by Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman (18) (not shown) during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwMzc3ODU4OTYxMzg1MDM4/blomqvist.jpg] Oct 25, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Joel Blomqvist (30) makes a save on on a deflection by Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman (18) (not shown) during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images Historically, Blomqvist became the 21st netminder to face a minimum of 50 shots in a game, joining a list that includes Marc-Andre Fleury, Tom Barrasso, Patrick Lalime, and Casey DeSmith, the last one to achieve the feat in 2022 against the Boston Bruins. Moreover, Blomqvist is the fourth youngest goalie in franchise history to face 50 shots in a game. Overall, the Penguins have surrendered 50 shots in a game on 34 occasions, with a team record of 62 in 1989 against the Chicago Blackhawks. THIRTEEN YOUNGEST NETMINDER TO START A GAME IN PENGUINS HISTORY Fleury will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He made his NHL debut at 18 and remains the only netminder in Pittsburgh history to play a game under 20. Blomqvist was 22 and 306 days old when he debuted on Oct. 10, 2024, becoming the 13th youngest netminder to play for the Penguins. He joins a list of 22 and younger netminders, including Lalime (22), Greg Millen (21), Jean-Sebastien Aubin (21), and Denis Herron (20). Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwNjYwNDIwMDI3OTUwOTI5/thnpitbanner.png]
