NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to NHL.com.
[Penguins 32 in 32: Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy breakdown]
1. Pierre-Olivier Joseph, D
How acquired: Traded from Arizona Coyotes on June 29, 2019
2021-22 season: Pittsburgh (NHL) 4 GP, 0-0-0; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) 61 GP, 10-23-33
The 23-year-old had a taste of the NHL in each of the past two seasons, scoring five points (one goal, four assists) in 20 games with the Penguins. Joseph (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) simply hasn’t been able to stick.
That could change after training camp, when Joseph will likely battle with the newly-acquired defenseman Ty Smith for a spot on the third defense pair. If he loses out to Smith, Joseph could still find a spot as a reserve.
“I think it’s a long process,” Joseph said. “There’s great guys in the room to help you with that. I think I’m really lucky to have these guys surrounding me, showing me the way a lot.”
Projected NHL arrival: This season
Video: PIT@NYI: Joseph wires home wrister for first NHL goal
2. Valtteri Puustinen, F
How acquired: Selected with no. 203 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Pittsburgh (NHL) 1 GP, 0-1-1; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) 73 GP, 20-22-42
Puustinen (5-9, 183) quickly opened eyes in his first season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, tying Alex Nylander for the team lead in points. The 23-year-old was second in goals, two behind Nylander.
That earned Puustinen one look in the NHL last season, having an assist for the Penguins in a 5-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 11.
With the Penguins returning the bulk of their roster from last season, there doesn’t seem to be much room for Puustinen to make the NHL out of training camp. But a solid performance there could get him some more time in Pittsburgh.
“You guys saw Puustinen for one game,” general manager Ron Hextall said. “He’s a guy that certainly comes to mind. … It’s comforting that we have a few kids that are kind of on the verge of coming up and being ready to play at this level.”
Projected NHL arrival: This season
3. Joel Blomqvist, G
How acquired: Selected with no. 52 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) 1 GP, 0-1-0, 2.05 GAA, .926 save percentage; Karpat (Liiga) 20 GP, 6-3-5, 1.32 GAA, .940 save percentage
After an impressive season with Karpat, Blomqvist (6-2, 183) said he is confident he will be able to compete with Penguins goalies. Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith. He just doesn’t expect that chance to come this season.
The 20-year-old could get a longer look with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he played one game late last season. But Jarry is currently locked in as Pittsburgh’s primary starter and DeSmith signed a two-year contract July 5.
Blomqvist could get a chance in the NHL if either Jarry or DeSmith are unavailable at some point. For now, he could benefit from more time adapting to North American hockey in the AHL.
“He’s just a special guy,” said Kain Tisi, Penguins goalie development coach. “If you’ve seen what he’s done in Finland, it’s been incredible.”
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25
4. Sam PoulinF
How acquired: Selected with no. 21 picks in the 2019 draft
2021-22 season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) 72 GP, 16-21-37
As one of two first-round picks for the Penguins since 2015, there have been high expectations for Poulin (6-1, 208). His development has taken a bit longer than originally hoped, though.
In his first season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the 21-year-old did not enjoy the same offensive output from his previous seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Poulin had 77 points (32 goals, 45 assists) in 46 games with Sherbrooke in 2019-20 before scoring 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 24 games split between Sherbrooke and Val-d’Or the following season.
But Hextall was impressed with how Poulin’s game improved as last season progressed.
“Poulin, certainly probably, the last 55 games, took his game to another level,” Hextall said.
Projected NHL arrival: 2023-24
5. Owen PickeringD
How acquired: Selected with no. 21 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Swift Current (WHL) 62 GP, 9-24-33
Announced by Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, Pickering (6-3, 179) is their other first-round pick in the past eight years. The 18-year-old will likely return to Swift Current this season.
Pickering was 5-foot-6, 130 pounds just three years ago before having a growth spurt.
“It’s only been a positive so far,” Pickering said. “It’s helped my skating, stride length.”
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25
Video: Pittsburgh Penguins select D Pickering No. 21
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