About a week ago I posted an article projecting what the Penguins’ lineup might look like in 2028-29. It goes without saying it was loaded with kids.
There’s no doubt the Pens have amassed an impressive cache of prospects under Kyle Dubas, in a relatively short time frame to boot. To draw a comparison to an earlier batch of home-grown talent, we would appear to be stocked with plenty of Tyler Kennedy and Max Talbot-types with the likes of Rutger McGroarty, Avery Hayes and Tanner Howe.
Just as obviously, there aren’t any generational talents a la Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Understandable, given that the Pens haven’t had a top-10 pick in the draft since Derrick Pouliot was taken eighth overall some 14 years ago.
Still, I wonder if any of our kids project to be a star? The kind of player who might center the second line or earn an all-star game invite.
For the purpose of this article, I’m excluding Egor Chinakhov, the crème of the Pens’ younger crop, based on age (he’s 25). With his wicked shot and lightning release, to say nothing of his speed and all-around game, I think “Chinny” has the potential to emerge as a 35-goal, 70-point man. Perhaps even more if he skates next to a top-notch center.
However, I’m focusing more on the kids, most of whom have yet to establish themselves as full-time NHLers.
In no particular order, here goes.
HARRISON BRUNICKE
Selected in the second round (44th overall) in the 2024 draft, Brunicke possesses all the tools. A coveted right-shot defenseman, he’s big (6’3” 202), is a marvelous, agile skater and handles the puck with aplomb. Despite a terribly unconventional development path that saw him bounce from the Pens to the Baby Pens to the Canadian National Team and back to junior before returning to the Baby Pens in time for their impressive playoff run, Brunicke’s game grew by leaps and bounds. Particularly his defensive work.
While he may not be the second coming of Erik Karlsson in terms of offensive prowess, the South African native projects to be a second-pairing defenseman. Possibly even a top-pairing stud. The heir apparent to Karlsson and Kris Letang.
BEN KINDEL
One season ago, Kindel burst onto the scene, both as a surprise 11th overall pick and then as a rare 18-year-old who not only made the grade at the NHL level, but who excelled to the tune of 17 goals and 35 points.
There were times last season when the former Calgary Hitmen star reminded me of a mini-Crosby, especially his ability to make short, crisp passes in traffic, his feisty, competitive nature and impressive overall game. However, there were stretches when he was comparatively inert offensively (two goals, five points in his final 19 games). Perhaps a by-product of one so young stepping onto such a big stage, not to mention the grinding post-Olympics schedule.
Does Kindel does have what it takes to elevate his game even further? As in second-line center further? Time will tell.
SERGEI MURASHOV
It seems from the moment former Pens GM Ron Hextall selected Murashov in the 4th round of the 2022 draft, there’s been an accompanying buzz of expectation. Maybe it was the dazzling numbers Sergei posted in his native Russia for Yaroslavl and the Lokomotivs’ junior affiliate. Or perhaps it’s the fact he was taken 118th overall—the very same slot as countryman and Rangers mega-star Igor Shesterkin.
Displaying surprising maturity, the 22-year-old wunderkind certainly hasn’t disappointed since arriving in North America. While backstopping the Baby Pens last season, Murashov finished tied for fifth in the AHL in both save percentage (.919) and goals against average (2.20). He was even better during the Calder Cup playoffs (.931 SV%), paving the way for him to join the Pens this season as a projected tandem-mate for Arturs Šilovs.
There’s no questioning Murashov’s talent or his Fleury-esque, cat-quick reflexes. However, there are rough spots to be sanded out, including rebound control. If he’s able to master that shortcoming, the Pens may well have an all-star caliber goalie on their hands. Perhaps even a future Vezina Trophy candidate.
BILL ZONNON
I’ve been intrigued by Zonnon’s potential ever since his draft year. To my eye, the 6’2” 190-pound forward (pictured above) was a notable presence on the ice, strong, forceful and skilled. Needless to say, I was thrilled when Dubas selected him 22nd overall in the 2025 draft.
The Montréal native fought through injuries to serve as a driving force for Blainville-Boisbriand during his final season of junior, then joined the Baby Pens last spring during the Calder Cup playoffs. While centering the fourth line, Zonnon caused a sensation by notching a goal in each of his first three pro games. Despite limited ice time, he piled up seven points in 11 playoff games (4+3). An auspicious debut to say the least.
Aside from exemplary play, what really stood out was the fact that the 20-year-old taught himself the Baby Pens’ system before arriving, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years.
Whether Zonnon projects to be a future all-star is anyone’s guess. But the tools are there to develop into a productive, middle-six power forward.
HONORABLE MENTION
I thought about including McGroarty on the list. In particular, I like the physical maturity he possesses and the way he works the corners and boards. However, at least at the present, there are limits to Rutger’s game, including skating and a less-than-lethal shot. For now, he figures to be a third-liner.
As for others? It’s a little early to project how power forward Will Horcoff (who I have high hopes for) or the Ruck Twins will develop.
Interesting Post Rick,
First, going to throw this out there – Have the Penguins “amassed” a crop of prospects or have we given away way too many prospects and picks for sooo long that we now over value what little is here? Just asking?
Second, logic would seem to dictate that a prospect would have a higher probability of being about ot make it in the NHL than a reclamation project, like Dubas prefers. A true prospect may still fail, but he hasn’t a failed yet; a reclamation project by definition already has a track record of failure, so I for one am seriously frustated with our HoHO and his “searching for gold on a sandy beach and drilling for oil on a city street” (Thanks Meatloaf).
Third, speaking of probabilities – Zonnon and Horcoff have the highest ceiling of the skaters in the prospect pool and they came in the same draft.
Kindel will probably end up being a good player for several seasons but neither get surprised if he suffers from the sophmore jinx, nor get too upset should that occur. With the dearth of prospects passing through Pgh over these past eight or so seasons it is all too easy to over value him. If you look at his With or without numbers, he really showed a need for big bodied wingers, something Dubas reversed this offseason. Of the two players he played best with one is gone, the other may follow (Mantha and Brazeau).
Murashov does have a high ceiling if the team gets him a real Goalie coach like MAF had. He suffers from many of the same problems MAF had when he first came up.
Blomqvist not only has a high ceiling but also a high floor. He should ahve already been back stopping this team, but sadly Dubas and management have muffed it. At this point I really do hope he gets traded so he gets a real chance to play.
I do feel bad for Brunicke. The team screwed him over last season with there mismanagement of him (between Pgh – WBS – Juniors). He got was too little playing time to develop. Then this offseason, Dubas muffed it again by bringing in 905 of the leagues RHD into the organization, burying the kid behind a mountain of speed bumps.
The Rucks – sorry Rick, they are a circus attraction not hockey players. Since Dubas saw fit to draft them, I do hope that the can be more like Rich and Ron Sutter rather than Chris and Peter Ferraro. I don’t really consider them prospects. They are just an attempt to generate hype.
From everything I am hearing, McGroarty had a great offseason and improved his skating greatly. Too bad he is buried behind reclamation projects.