Penguins Prospect Report

As January comes to a close, it provides a great opportunity to not only reflect on what's happened so far this season but also to look ahead to the future. Every team's top prospects have been through development camps, played a large portion of their seasons, and many have showcased their skills in prospect games or at the U20 World Junior Hockey Championship. Today, we'll take the opportunity to evaluate the Pittsburgh Penguins' top 10 prospects. Here's who you can keep an eye on in the coming months:

1. Emil Pieniniemi (19, D - Kingston Frontenacs [OHL], 2023 - 116th Overall)

Drafted out of one of Finland's most notable pro teams, Oulun Kärpät, Pieniniemi decided to make the move to Canada for his 19-year-old season. The standout defenseman has been a key player for the Kingston Frontenacs, sitting second in the OHL's Eastern Conference. His 6 goals and 44 points in 40 games show flashes of offensive ability, but what really impresses is his play in the neutral and defensive zones. Pieniniemi is known as an aggressive defender on the rush, quickly taking away his opponents' time and space. In his own end, his strength along the boards and around the net proves invaluable in winning key battles.

Beyond his OHL season, Pieniniemi represented his home country of Finland at the U20 World Junior Hockey Championship, where he was selected as one of the team's assistant captains. He led all Finnish defenders with 3 goals and 3 points in 6 games and played a significant role in special teams situations en route to a silver medal finish.

2. Matt Savoie (21, F - Bakersfield Condors [AHL], 2022 - 5th Overall)

A prolific scorer throughout his junior career, Matt Savoie has carried that touch forward into his first professional season with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. The small but speedy forward sits second on the Condors with 12 goals and 31 points while leading the team with an impressive +12. His fast-paced, highly skilled style of play is sure to impress at the NHL level.

3. Stian Solberg (19, D - Färjestad BK [SHL], 2024 - 23rd Overall)

A large, physical presence on the blue line, the 6'2", 205lb Solberg is one of the most promising prospects to ever come out of Norway. Making the move from Norway to Sweden as an 18-year-old, Solberg joined the SHL's second-place Färjestad BK. Having already represented his country many times in international competition, the future certainly seems bright for Solberg.

4. Spencer Gill (18, D - Rimouski Océanic [QMJHL], 2024 - 55th Overall)

Gill, a physically imposing force standing at 6'4", 194lb, quickly became a staple of the Rimouski blueline upon joining the team as a 16-year-old. The exceptional two-way defender has the tools to do it all and looks to put those abilities to the test as his Océanic play host to the 2025 Memorial Cup.

5. Nathan Villeneuve (18, F - Sudbury Wolves [OHL], 2024 - 87th Overall)

A high-tempo two-way forward, Villeneuve is a coach's dream. Not only can he drive the pace of a game offensively, but he can also be deployed in the most critical of defensive situations. While he may not stand as tall as some of his counterparts, he brings with him a strong power-forward type build and isn't afraid to get physical. With his work ethic, it's hard to believe that Villeneuve wouldn't carve out a nice career in the NHL.

6. Jakub Milota (18, G - Cape Breton Eagles [QMJHL], 2024 - 119th Overall)

Making waves in the CHL as a young player can be difficult enough, but even more challenging is doing so as a goaltender. From the moment Milota joined Cape Breton as a 17-year-old, he became regarded as one of the QMJHL's most promising goaltenders. While injuries have slowed down his 18-year-old season, the future remains bright for this young Czech.

7. Adam Engström (21, D - Laval Rocket [AHL], 2022 - 101st Overall)

Following in the tradition of Sweden producing strong defenders, Adam Engström opted to make the move from his native Sweden to Quebec to ply his trade as a member of the AHL's Laval Rocket. Despite his young age, Engström has been a valued component for the league-leading Rocket, bringing strong puck-moving ability and a steady defensive presence.

8. Luca Pinelli (19, F - Ottawa 67's [OHL], 2023 - 84th Overall)

Luca Pinelli is a scorer. He's done it at every level he's played at, and he continues to do so. The captain of the OHL's Ottawa 67's leads the team in goals and is second in points, despite having missed time as part of Team Canada at the U20 World Junior Hockey Championship. Despite his small size, Pinelli plays with a tenacity to be admired. You'll never catch him taking a shift off, as he plays hard in all three zones.

9. Étienne Morin (19, D - Moncton Wildcats [QMJHL], 2023 - 20th Overall)

Morin had an exceptional start to his QMJHL career, recording an astounding 72 points in 67 games in his sophomore season. Concerns arose after showing some regression last year, but he's come back strong as a 19-year-old. Morin has been the #1 defenseman on the highly touted Moncton Wildcats, not only regaining his form as an offensive defenseman but also rounding out his game with improved defensive play.

10. Matthew Andonovski (19, D - Kitchener Rangers [OHL], 2023 - 180th Overall)

Perhaps unheralded as such a late draft pick, the Kitchener Rangers' captain posted an OHL-leading +58 last season. While he hasn't quite regained that form this season, there is little doubt about the reliability and leadership Andonovski brings to the table.