Top Penguins Prospects: A Look into the System

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the early stages of a pivotal transition. While the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang continues to lead the team, the franchise is also laying the groundwork for its next generation. With a deepening prospect pool and some recent additions through trades, drafts, and international signings, the Penguins are gradually retooling for long-term success. Below is a breakdown of the top prospects currently in Pittsburgh’s system:

Note: Forwards Rutger McGroarty and Vasily Ponomarev are not included in this list. McGroarty is expected to make the Penguins’ NHL roster out of training camp and therefore doesn’t qualify as a prospect for this article. Meanwhile, Ponomarev appears to be set to play in the KHL for the 2024–25 season, though the Penguins still retain his North American rights.

Ville Koivunen – Forward

Acquired in the Jake Guentzel trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, Ville Koivunen is a high-upside winger with dynamic offensive potential. Drafted 51st overall in 2021, the Finnish forward blends vision, hands, and hockey IQ, and he was a standout performer for Finland at the World Juniors.

He’s not the fastest skater, but his ability to create offense through positioning and anticipation makes him a legitimate top-six candidate in the future. Koivunen’s next step is to continue his transition to North American hockey, likely beginning in the AHL, where he can develop his two-way game and further adapt to a faster pace. 

With the “Baby Pens” last season, Koivunen played in 63 games, scoring 21 goals and 35 assists, for a total of 56 points. He also played in eight games for the Penguins last season, with seven points, all assists. 

Sergei Murashov – Goaltender

Sergei Murashov is probably the most intriguing goaltending prospect in the Penguins’ pipeline. Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, the Russian netminder is turning heads and is climbing the ranks in the Penguins’ system. What makes Murashov particularly promising is his poise, athleticism, and ability to track the puck through traffic—a skill critical at the NHL level.

In 2024-2025, Murashov joined the Penguins’ farm system, going 29-10-1 in the regular season, splitting time between the Wheeling Nailers and the Baby Pens. Murashov did get playoff time in for Wheeling and Wilkes-Barre, but unfortunately, he went a combined 0-4 in the playoffs. While he'll remain in Wilkes-Barre for the near future, Murashov has the tools to be a long-term answer in goal. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could become a serious contender for the Penguins’ crease sooner rather than later.

Owen Pickering – Defense

Owen Pickering, Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in 2022 (21st overall), is arguably the cornerstone of the Penguins’ defensive pipeline. A rangy, mobile blue-liner with a 6-foot-4 frame, Pickering possesses the physical tools and skating ability to develop into a top-four defenseman. He’s made strides both offensively and defensively with the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL and recently joined the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at the end of his junior season.

Pickering’s development will hinge on adding strength and refining his decision-making under pressure. If he continues to progress, he projects as a reliable two-way defenseman who can eat minutes and contribute on special teams.

Harrison Brunicke – Defense

Selected in the 2023 NHL Draft, Harrison Brunicke is a raw but intriguing prospect on the back end. Still just 18, Brunicke brings a right-handed shot, size, and an edge to his game—traits that are always in high demand among NHL defensemen. He played for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL and has shown flashes of a well-rounded game, with decent puck-moving skills and a willingness to engage physically.

Brunicke is more of a long-term project, but his ceiling as a potential third-pairing defenseman with penalty kill upside makes him worth keeping a close eye on.

Joel Blomqvist – Goaltender

A second-round pick in 2020, Joel Blomqvist arguably is the closest goaltending prospect to NHL readiness in Pittsburgh’s system. The Finnish netminder had an excellent 2023–24 season with Wilkes-Barre, showing he can handle a professional workload and maintain consistent performance. His technique is sound, and he thrives on positioning and rebound control.

Blomqvist did replace Tristan Jarry on the Penguins roster last season, when Jarry was sent down to Wilkes-Barre, but Blomqvist struggled a bit. He wasn’t bad, by any measure, but he wasn’t great either. Blomqvist is still very much liked in the organization, and he may get a longer look in Pittsburgh this season, especially if there’s a trade, instability, or an injury at the NHL level. He has the potential to become a dependable backup, perhaps even a “1B” goaltender in the next couple of seasons. With Blomqvist and Murashov, the goaltending situation looks very bright.

New Arrival: Mikhail Ilyin – Forward

On May 31st, the Penguins signed 20-year-old forward Mikhail Ilyin to a three-year entry-level contract, shortly after reports surfaced that he had signed an extension to remain in the KHL. The move came as a surprise, given the uncertainty surrounding Russian players’ transitions to the NHL. Ilyin is a skilled winger with scoring instincts, soft hands, and deceptive speed. He spent last season playing in Russia’s top league and showed signs of offensive upside against older, more experienced competition.

While it’s unclear when Ilyin will come to North America, his signing reflects Pittsburgh’s growing investment in global talent. If and when he does arrive, Ilyin could quickly find himself competing for a middle-six role thanks to his offensive skills.

The Penguins' prospect system, once considered one of the thinnest in the NHL, is beginning to replenish thanks to savvy drafting, bold trades, and international scouting, all of General Manager Kyle Dubas’ doing. While the current NHL roster still centers around its Hall of Fame legends, the next wave of talent is taking shape. With players like Pickering, Koivunen, and Blomqvist on the rise, and more reinforcements waiting in the wings (I.E. the NHL draft over the next few years), Pittsburgh is building a foundation to hopefully be a Stanley Cup contender.