Prospect System Ranking – 19th (Previous Rank - 23rd)
GM: Kyle Dubas Hired: June 2023
COACH: Mike Sullivan Hired: December 2015
For the first time in the Sidney Crosby era, the Pittsburgh Penguins have missed playoff contention in consecutive seasons. The silver lining? Their prospect system is climbing the ranks as a result. Not too long ago, the Penguins were near the bottom of our rankings here at McKeen’s, but now find themselves within the top 20 and on a positive trajectory to turn the prospect ship around.
The longstanding lack of prospect depth is not surprising, considering that the Penguins have gone without a first-round pick eight times over the last 12 years, including the 2024 NHL Draft in Vegas. But hey, with players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang holding up your core, you do what you can to keep that winning pedigree alive.
Samuel Poulin, long considered atop the organization’s prospect pyramid, now sits at our 228th-ranked and has slowly dropped in the pecking order. While he has been a fine contributor at the AHL level, his development hasn’t quite met the lofty expectations set earlier in his career. Speaking of the farm, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will benefit from the addition of Ville Koivunen (92nd) in 2024-25, who has officially crossed the pond from Liiga. Meanwhile, Joel Blomqvist (126th) made that same journey last year and put up a tremendous rookie campaign between the pipes, posting a 25-12-6 record. The 22-year-old was one of the AHL’s top netminders, boasting a 0.921 save percentage and a 2.16 goals-against average. Finally, after an eight-game audition last season, 2022 first-rounder Owen Pickering (131st) is set to embark on his official rookie year in the AHL. While still a few years away from NHL readiness, these names make up the bulk of the new era that is poised to rejuvenate the Penguins' lineup.
GM Dubas pulled the trigger on a prospect for prospect trade, acquiring Rutger McGroarty, who forced a trade from Winnipeg by not planning to report following his NCAA career. They sent back the other way their number one prospect in Braden Yager. McGroarty, now takes that place, and may be NHL ready sooner and able contribute to whatever playoff window remains sooner.
Despite not having a first-round pick in 2024, the Penguins added some intriguing talent in Vegas to round out the remaining crop within the Penguins system. They selected a pair of Western Leaguers, Harrison Brunicke (213th) and Tanner Howe (243rd), with their first two picks and both carry intriguing NHL potential.
After 15 years of consecutive playoff appearances, coupled with three Stanley Cup mixed in, a major transformation is on the horizon for this Penguins squad.
Pittsburgh Penguins Top-15 Prospects
1. Rutger McGroarty
The newest top prospect for the Penguins, McGroarty got his wish to be traded away from the Jets. He is a very intriguing prospect, because his game is fairly pigeonholed, yet he’s an undeniable expert in two specific areas: in the cycle and at the net front. There’s actually an art to scoring greasy, blue-collar goals, and he seems to have mastered it. He is an absolute tank sometimes down low, with an abundance of lower-body strength, and once he gets himself dug in at the top of the crease, he can be nearly impossible to box out or win body positioning against. He’s also very hard to contain when he tries to take the puck from the wall or behind the goal line into a better scoring position. His feet are, unsurprisingly based on what was just said, quite heavy and slow, but he keeps working hard to improve his quickness and mobility.
2. Ville Koivunen
Ville Koivunen's 2023-24 campaign was a story of mid-season upheaval. Drafted by Carolina in 2021, he started strong with Liiga's Kärpät, notching 56 points in 59 games. His playmaking ability and offensive instincts were on full display. However, a blockbuster trade in March sent him to the Pittsburgh organization. Questions remain about Koivunen's transition to North America. While his offensive talent is undeniable, his defensive awareness and overall physicality need refinement. This season will be crucial. Can he adapt to the smaller ice surface and the NHL's quicker pace? The team will likely give him time to develop in the AHL, but a late-season call-up isn't out of the question if he impresses. Koivunen's long-term success hinges on his ability to translate his offensive brilliance to the North American game. This season will be a test as he looks to stick in the AHL.
3. Joel Blomqvist
Drafted 52nd overall in 2020 by Pittsburgh, Joel Blomqvist's stock soared in 2023-24. He manned the crease for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, putting on a clinic. Blomqvist led all rookie goalies in wins (25) and finished near the top in both save percentage (0.921) and goals-against average (2.16). He even earned a call-up to the AHL All-Star Classic. He’s an aggressive netminder who plays far out of the crease to cut down angles and is capable of moving fluidly in the crease as well. He plays a good technical game although can get a bit lost in high-pressure scrambles. Questions remain about his ability to translate this success to the NHL, but his calm demeanour and athleticism are encouraging signs. His performance has undoubtedly boosted his standing within the organization. He could be pushing for an NHL backup role sooner rather than later.
4. Owen Pickering
Owen Pickering's 2023-24 season was a year of refinement. Drafted 21st overall by Pittsburgh in 2022, he started the year battling an undisclosed injury. After a brief stint with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2022-23, he was reassigned to the WHL's Swift Current Broncos and remained there in 2023-24. While there, he showcased his impressive physical tools (6-foot-3, 179 pounds) and strong skating. He chipped in offensively (46 points in 59 games) but consistency remained a question mark. Flashes of brilliance – heady plays and a booming shot – were overshadowed by stretches of disappearing acts. While Pickering's potential as a future top four defenceman remains, his development hinges on ironing out his inconsistencies and making smarter decisions with the puck. This season will be crucial in determining if he can take that next step. Seeing how his game translates to the AHL will be very telling for how his game will progress.
5. Vasily Ponomarev
Ponomarev's 2023-24 was a season of AHL development. He bounced between three teams (Chicago Wolves, Tucson Roadrunners, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins) due to trades and call-ups, amassing 30 points in 45 games. He continued to look comfortable in the AHL last season, showing off two-way skill and all-around offensive ability. He isn’t going to wow or dazzle with his skill, but he’s consistent and seems to do all the little things right. Those are the exact types of players needed to fill out a roster. Skating and puck protection are his strongest assets, but decision-making remains a work in progress. This inconsistency is a cause for concern. He has the tools to be a top six winger, but can he harness his talent and become a consistent producer? The answer to that question will determine his NHL ceiling.
6. Harrison Brunicke
Harrison Brunicke is a solid, stay-at-home defenceman known for his poise and reliability in the defensive zone. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he has the size and strength to be a physical presence, often using his body to effectively clear the crease and win battles along the boards. Brunicke’s positioning is one of his strongest assets; he rarely gets caught out of place and has a knack for breaking up plays with his stick. While not the flashiest player, Brunicke makes smart, simple plays with the puck, often opting for the safe pass to exit the zone rather than forcing risky offensive plays. He’s a reliable penalty killer, utilizing his reach and shot-blocking abilities to neutralize opposing power plays. Brunicke’s skating is solid for his size, though adding a bit more agility could enhance his overall game. He projects as a dependable, shutdown defenceman with the potential to log significant minutes at the professional level.
7. Samuel Poulin
Samuel Poulin's 2023-24 campaign with the Penguins was a rollercoaster. Drafted 21st overall in 2019, the winger played practically all season with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - outside of a brief three-game trip to the NHL. While flashes of potential emerged, injuries and stretches of disappearing acts plagued him. Inconsistency remains a major question mark. There's undeniable talent – a scorer's touch and strong skating. But decision-making lapses and a lack of focus at times raise concerns. The Penguins gave him a late-season call-up, hoping to reignite his spark. While scoreless in those games, it was a chance to prove his NHL readiness. Poulin's future is a wait-and-see. A dominant AHL season could earn him a permanent NHL spot. However, last season was a microcosm of his potential – exciting glimpses overshadowed by stretches of inconsistency.
8. Tanner Howe
Tanner Howe is a highly skilled forward who plays with a blend of finesse and tenacity. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, he may not be the biggest player on the ice, but he compensates with exceptional speed and agility. Howe's skating is one of his most impressive traits; he has a quick first step and the ability to change direction on a dime, making him elusive in tight spaces. Offensively, Howe is a creative playmaker with excellent vision. He can thread the needle with precise passes and is equally dangerous as a shooter, possessing a quick and accurate release. His hockey IQ is advanced, allowing him to read the game well and make smart plays under pressure. Despite his size, Howe isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas, battling for pucks and playing with a high compete level. With his skill set and determination, Howe has the potential to be an impactful top six forward.
9. Tristan Broz
Tristan Broz is a skilled and intelligent center with a well-rounded game. He excels as a playmaker, using his exceptional vision and anticipation to find open teammates and create scoring chances. His quick hands and accurate shot make him a threat from the slot, and his speed and agility allow him to navigate through traffic with ease. He's also a responsible defender, using his active stick and positioning to disrupt opponents' cycles. The forward has the ability to attack hard, be relied upon as a playmaker, and create space for himself but the problem is that he’s too inconsistent in his effort level. He can disappear in games or show some delays in his processing. With continued development, he has the potential to become a top six forward and a key piece on the Penguins' power play. His upside as a playmaking center with a scoring touch makes him a promising prospect.
10. Mikhail Ilyin
Drafted 142nd overall in 2023, Mikhail Ilyin is an intriguing prospect that might just end up being a much-needed steal for the Penguins. After splitting his year between the MHL and KHL in his draft year, he stuck in the KHL in 2023-24, collecting 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in 65 games. He’s a less-than-flashy winger who plays a smart, simple game. While not necessarily driving play, he doesn’t slow it down but rather matches the pace that his teammates dictate. He does compete hard, never giving up on a play. He supports his teammates well and isn’t afraid to play a physical game. His skating will need to see some significant improvement if he’s going to be successful at the next level, but he did take strides forward this year in that department. Ilyin looks like he could be a solid bottom six contributor.
11. Cruz Lucius
Cruz Lucius is an electrifying winger known for his speed, skill, and competitiveness. He creates scoring chances off the rush with quick feet and agility, and his heavy, accurate shot complements his strong vision and anticipation. As a relentless forechecker, he uses his speed and physicality to force turnovers. However, he needs to enhance his explosiveness and strength. With further development, Lucius could become a top six forward and key contributor for the Penguins, showcasing his potential as a high-scoring, physical winger.
12. Sergei Murashov
Sergei Murashov is an intriguing goaltending prospect with sharp reflexes and solid positioning. His ability to track pucks and maintain composure under pressure stands out. While his rebound control and consistency could be refined, Murashov’s agility and strong fundamentals show significant potential. With further development, he could emerge as a reliable NHL starter.
13. Emil Pieniniemi
Emil Pieniniemi is an agile forward with a knack for creating scoring opportunities through quick hands and sharp playmaking. His speed and offensive instincts stand out, allowing him to evade defenders and generate chances. While his defensive game and physicality need refinement, Pieniniemi’s offensive potential and creativity make him a compelling prospect with promising NHL upside.
14. Mac Swanson
Despite a standout year, including USHL Forward of the Year, Hlinka/Gretzky Cup success, and Clark Cup MVP, Swanson is ranked lower due to his size and skating concerns. While he shares challenges with smaller players like T.J. Tynan, his elite playmaking and vision offer substantial upside. His upcoming freshman season at North Dakota will be key in addressing these concerns and showcasing his potential.
15. Jack St. Ivany
Jack St. Ivany is a steady, right-shot defenceman with solid size and hockey sense. While he doesn't wow with flashy plays, his game is built on reliable decision-making and strong positioning. St. Ivany's skating and puck-moving abilities are serviceable, making him effective in transition. However, his offensive upside is limited, and he'll need to continue refining his defensive game to carve out a role in the NHL. He's a safe, low-risk prospect for the Penguins.