{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/YXceed6V.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed forward Alex Nylander last week despite not having a sitting GM. What were the main takeaways from Nylander's 2022-23 season?", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/YXceed6V-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/YXceed6V.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/YXceed6V.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/YXceed6V-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 180, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 279856, "filesize": 11614054, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/YXceed6V-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 270, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 377310, "filesize": 15658399, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/YXceed6V-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1115477, "filesize": 46292322, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/YXceed6V-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113555, "filesize": 4712547 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/YXceed6V-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 360, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 387985, "filesize": 16101383, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/YXceed6V-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 540, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 652370, "filesize": 27073358, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "It’s already pretty well known the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t have much to offer in terms of a prospect pool." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins’ formula of trading away prospects and picks in the pursuit of postseason success has worked for a number of years, but now the organization is past due for a refreshing group of young talent." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "It’ll be hard to come by as in the past week, multiple top prospects have skipped out on North America and went back to play in Europe." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Goalie Filip Lindberg and forward Filip Hallander decided they wanted to head back to their native countries and play in their respective professional leagues rather than continue to wait for a real chance at the NHL with the Penguins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Neither of those player crack many top prospects lists, but that’s a hard blow to take considering how shallow the prospect pool is in Pittsburgh." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Heading into the 2022-23 season, Elite Prospects ranked the Penguins system 27^th in the NHL, only a marginal improvement from 29^th the previous year." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins were the oldest team in the NHL this past season and their age showed as they missed the postseason for the first time since 2006." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "This seems like it would be a perfect time to turn attention to the budding prospects in the system, but they’re either leaving, on a decline, or still not ready for the jump." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Take a look at Nathan Legare, for example; when drafted in 2019, his shot was touted as one of the best in the organization." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "His offensive prowess has seemed to disappear during his time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Over the past two seasons, Legare has only scored 15 goals and 20 assists." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Sam Poulin is another interesting case to glance at; he made his NHL debut this year and even recorded his first point." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Shortly after being sent back to the AHL, Poulin stepped away from hockey to work on his mental health." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Poulin returned to the organization in March, but after multiple months off, he wasn’t going to be ready for any huge jumps in lineups." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins have some promising pieces like goalie Joel Blomqvist and defenseman Owen Pickering, but they’re still years away from an NHL breakthrough." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Guys like Poulin or Valtteri Puustinen are intriguing and deserving of another chance at the NHL, but how much of a difference can they make?" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Alex Nylander, Ty Smith, and P.O. Joseph are all NHL ready and should be on the next opening night roster, but they shouldn’t be considered ‘prospects’ anymore." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins have quite the dilemma when it comes to their system; the core is still good, but they’re aging and need an infusion of youth, but the youth isn’t ready, and some may never be." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins' Prospect Filip Lindberg Signs Contract in Finland" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins' Drew O'Connor Will Represent Team USA at World Championship" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Players Likely Not Returning to Penguins in 2023-24" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Jason Zucker Helps with Penguins' Fans Gender Reveal" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Should Look at Jets as Offseason Trade Partners" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Penguins Stuck in Prospect Purgatory