The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the uptick at Christmas time as they battle for a playoff spot. Meanwhile, their farm system has a few prospects having strong seasons.
G Joel Blomqvist- Wilkes/Barre-Scranton Penguins (American Hockey League)
After making the roster out of training camp, Joel Blomqvist got sent down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL) when Alex Nedeljkovic returned from injury. He has had a bit of an up-and-down time with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. At times, he’s looked like the player everyone was excited about, but other times, he has struggled. In nine games, he has only made 30 or more saves once and has allowed four or more goals three times. However, his stats aren’t awful, with a 3.15 goals-against average (GAA), a .903 save percentage (SV%), and a 5-4-0 record.
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Many will monitor Blomqvist’s ability to play more consistently as the season progresses.
LW Tanner Howe- Calgary Hitmen (Western Hockey League)
One of the Penguins’ second-round picks from the 2024 Draft, Tanner Howe, was traded from the Regina Pats to the Calgary Hitmen on Nov. 21. Howe wore the captain’s “C” with the Pats and put up seven points in 16 games. After he was traded to the Hitmen, he seemed to get his game going a bit more, with nine points in six games with his new team.
Howe’s strong offensive play and his knack for being a constant pest against his opponents helped him make Canada’s U20 World Junior Championship team. He will likely play a bottom-six role in the upcoming tournament and will be a player for Penguins fans to keep an eye on.
D Filip Král- Wilkes/Barre-Scranton Penguins (AHL)
Among the older prospects, at 25 years old, Filip Král has been a pleasant surprise for Wilkes/Barre-Scranton. After spending last season in Liiga with the Pelicans organization, the 2018 Toronto Maple Leafs fifth-round pick signed a minor-league contract with the Penguins this past offseason. Not only has he been a strong defensive player, but he has also brought some stability and extra offense to the power play. He has been the quarterback on the Wilkes/Barre-Scranton power play and has helped lead them to one of the league’s best units (24%, ranked second).
D Emil Pieniniemi- Kingston Frontenacs (Ontario Hockey League)
Emill Pieniniemi, a…
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