© Getty Images

NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to NHL.com.

1. Brayden Yager, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 14 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Moose Jaw (WHL): 57 GP, 35-60-95

Over the past three seasons with Moose Jaw, Yager has shown significant improvement. The 19-year-old increased his points from 59 (34 goals, 25 assists) in 63 games in the 2021-22 season, to 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 67 games in the 2022-23 season, and up to 95 points in the last season.

Yager, a native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, possesses offensive potential that could be advantageous to Pittsburgh. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds, he expressed his desire to compete for a position at the training camp in September. However, he acknowledges the need to gain additional size to enhance his competitiveness in the NHL.

“Penguins assistant general manager, Jason Spezza, stated, “I would never wish to restrict a young player’s potential to join the team. Thus, it’s up to him how he presents himself and his performance. However, we noticed significant improvement in his ability to handle tough matchups.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

2. Joel Blomqvist, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 52 pick in 2020 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 45 GP, 25-12-6, 2.16 GAA, .921 SV%

The future of Pittsburgh’s goaltending could potentially be Blomqvist. The 22-year-old ranked third in the American Hockey League last season with an average of 2.16 goals-against and fifth with a .921 save percentage. This has sparked queries about the existing situation with the Penguins’ goalie.

Tristan Jarry, the primary starter, is entering the second season of a five-year contract, and Alex Nedeljkovic signed a two-year contract June 20 to remain the backup. So there remains a roadblock for Blomqvist to reach the NHL.

If Blomqvist (6-2, 183) continues to make progress, he could soon be in Pittsburgh.

“Joel’s performance and his ability to assert himself at the AHL level is what we’re keen on observing,” said general manager Kyle Dubas. “Once we have that information, it will inform our decisions concerning our goaltending.”

Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Owen Pickering, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 21 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Swift Current (WHL): 59 GP, 7-39-46

Similar to Yager, Pickering is also a recent first-round pick aiming to make it to the NHL straight out of training camp. After being drafted, the 20-year-old faced injuries that hindered his participation in the first two seasons’ training camps. However, this time, his chances seem better.

If Pickering (6-3, 179) doesn’t make it to the NHL, it is anticipated that he will have a significant role with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. However, he didn’t score a point in the eight games he played in 2022-23.

“Clearly, I am focusing on enhancing my strength and explosiveness,” said Pickering. “I have gained some weight and now my aim is to develop my game to match professional standards.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Ville Koivunen, F

How acquired: Acquired in trade from the Carolina Hurricanes on March 7

2023-24 season: Karpat (Liiga): 59 GP, 22-34-56

Koivunen (5-foot-11, 161) was a primary piece of the return in the trade that sent forward Jake Guentzel to Carolina. He has high hockey sense that has made up for skating that has yet to fully develop.

This season, the 21-year-old could play a major role with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as he keeps adjusting to North America. Having participated in 12 games with the American Hockey League’s Chicago team in 2022-23, he spent the previous season playing in the premier professional league in his home country, Finland.

“Spezza said, “In the American League and the NHL, the rink closes on you a little quicker than in Finland. So, we’ll assist him with that transition.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Vasily Ponomarev, F

How acquired: Acquired in trade from Carolina on March 7

2023-24 season: Carolina (NHL): 2 GP, 1-1-2; Chicago (AHL): 39 GP, 8-21-29; Tucson (AHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 4 GP, 1-0-1

As part of the Guentzel comeback, Ponomarev scored a goal and provided an assist for the Hurricanes during his NHL debut on January 5th, contributing to a 6-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. However, a severe ankle sprain he suffered in late March while playing with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton disrupted what was shaping up to be a promising season for the 22-year-old.

Despite having limited offseason training due to injury, Ponomarev (5-10, 180) could potentially play for the Penguins this season.

“Dubas expressed regret, noting it was unfortunate that he came over, performed well, but then sustained a serious injury that requires meticulous treatment for recovery,”

Projected NHL arrival: This season