The Pittsburgh Penguins may be one of the oldest teams in the NHL, but the youth movement is on the horizon. Even though ESPN ranked the team’s prospects in the bottom third of the league, a few gems in the lot are just a call away from debuting in the NHL.
Who are these players, what have they done recently, and where are they on the depth chart?
Sergei Murashov
Sergei Murashov may have been a fourth-round pick, but he is arguably one of the top goalie prospects in professional hockey. While playing in his native Russia, he hasn’t posted an SV% below .925 since 2021-22. Meanwhile, he hasn’t allowed more than 2.49 GAA since his U17 days with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in 2020-21.
In a limited sample size in the KHL, Murashov posted a 4-1-2 record with a .928 SV% and 1.71 GAA. After signing his entry-level deal, he’s a stepping stone away from the NHL, especially moving to North America to play in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season.
Owen Pickering
Owen Pickering is another top Penguins prospect who played eight AHL games last season and was the captain of the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL. He’s slated to begin the season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, but with a strong training camp, he could find himself that much closer to the NHL.
Outside of the top four defensemen in Pittsburgh’s lineup, the last two spots are wildcards, and their performances could lead to an opening and a chance for Pickering to debut.
Joel Blomqvist
Even though Murashov stole most of the headlines regarding Penguins goalies this summer, the next-in-line spot still belongs to AHL All-Rookie Team member Joel Blomqvist.
The 22-year-old Finnish netminder played 45 games in the AHL last season and was 25-12-6 with a .921 SV% and 2.16 GAA, all statistics better than anyone in Pittsburgh. As the de facto starter in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, he’s earned a shot to backup and start an NHL game sooner rather than later.
Brayden Yager
Brayden Yager may begin the season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL or could find a spot with the baby Penguins in the American Hockey League. He recently signed his entry-level contract this summer, meaning he’s one step closer to making it into the NHL.
As arguably the top prospect in Pittsburgh’s system, Yager could eventually get a turn in the NHL. Whether he gets a shot because of injury or lack of production, he’s proven to be up to the task of playing at an elite level.
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