Penguins top prospects added to WBS for playoff run

Although the Penguins season is over, it doesn't mean that the season is over for WBS. The Pens AHL affiliates are gearing up for a playoff run with some new faces.

As the «baby Pens» get ready for their playoff series against Lehigh Valley, the team has recruited four new players to help out the cause. Most of the new guys are prospects who have little experience at the AHL level, or are making their pro debut.

This provides an excellent opportunity for the players to get some reps at the pro level to help Kyle Dubas and company better assess their game. The recalled players are as follows:




Owen Pickering

Pickering is a big defenseman who is coming off a WHL playoff run with the Swift Current Broncos. He was selected 21st overall in 2022 and has so far played 8 games in the AHL (last season) and failed to record a point. Also, Pickering was recalled from Wilkes Barre as he is under contract, while the others were signed to ‘Amateur Tryout Agreements'.

Ville Koivunen

Koivunen is an exciting Finnish forward who seems to have a lot of potential. The 20 year old was a large piece in the Jake Guentzel trade and I'm sure many Penguins fans will be excited to get a better look at him in North America. He had previously been playing for Karpaat of the Liiga and was selected in the 2nd round in 2021 by the Hurricanes.

Emil Pieniniemi

Pieniniemi is another Finnish prospect, who represented Finland at this year's WJC. He is Koivunen's teammate in Karpaat and has looked sharp as an 19 year old in a men's league. He was also a third round pick in last year's NHL Entry draft.

Cooper Foster

Foster is a Canadian centre who will be looking to make his professional debut. He posted nearly a point per game this year with the Ottawa 67's of the OHL. Foster was selected in the 6th round in 2023 by the Penguins and is currently unsigned.

I for one, was very excited to see this moves as it will allow fans to watch the prospects we've all been following on a bigger stage. I hope that these prospects can make an impact and one day be a part of the big club.

Details to follow.

As read on: Pittsburgh Hockey Now

PENGUINSPenguins Sign Pickering, New Prospects for WBS Playoffs