The Pittsburgh Penguins are at a crossroads. With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the twilight of their careers, the future of the franchise rests on the shoulders of the next generation. The 2025-26 season could be a pivotal one, with a new wave of talent ready to make its mark. We’ve taken a deep dive into the Penguins’ prospect pool to identify the top 5 players you need to know.
The Next Wave: A New Era for the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have quietly assembled an impressive group of prospects, and several are on the verge of becoming NHL regulars. At the top of the list is Rutger McGroarty, a physical forward with a high hockey IQ. Acquired from the Jets, McGroarty already has a taste of NHL action and has shown he can play alongside Crosby. His combination of size and skill makes him a prime candidate for a top-six role this season.
Close behind is Ville Koivunen, a slick playmaker who impressed during his late-season call-up. With seven assists in eight games, Koivunen proved he can be a difference-maker at the NHL level. He’s a creative forward who could thrive on the power play and alongside a pure goal scorer.
Building for the Future: The 2025 Draft Class and Beyond
The Penguins’ future looks even brighter thanks to a strong 2025 draft class. Leading the way is Benjamin Kindel, a dynamic forward with elite offensive instincts. With 99 points in the WHL last season, Kindel has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone. He’s a few years away, but he’s the type of high-end talent the Penguins have been missing in their system.
On the blue line, Owen Pickering is a towering defenseman who is ready to take on a bigger role. At 6-foot-5, he has the size and reach to be a dominant defensive presence. He also has enough offensive upside to contribute on the scoresheet. Look for him to be a mainstay on the Penguins’ back end for years to come.
Rounding out the top five is Harrison Brunicke, another big-bodied defenseman with a high ceiling. Brunicke is a raw talent, but he has all the tools to be a top-four defenseman in the NHL. He’s a long-term project, but the payoff could be huge.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have a bright future, and these five prospects are a major reason why. While Crosby and Malkin are still the faces of the franchise, the next wave of talent is ready to take the torch. It’s an exciting time to be a Penguins fan, and the 2025-26 season could be the start of something special.
Stay Connected with the Penguins
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