Penguins Top 10 Prospects

Highlighted By A Deep Blueline Pool

 

Penguins Top 10 Prospect List

 

 

 

1.      Mikko Rantanen  C/LW 6’3’’ 212 lbs Age 19

 

Rantanen is believed to some to be the missing piece in the Avalanche’s young top 6. After tearing up the AHL last year he was expected to get a roster spot this season until he injured his ankle in training camp. He has currently been sent down to San Antonio AHL for a conditioning stint before rejoining the big club. This could end up being a blessing in disguise if he plays atleast 5 AHL games because it will give the BRHL Pens options next year to keep him down on the farm unless he truly earns a spot on the roster next season.

 

 

 

2.      Ilya Sorokin G 6’2’’ 176 lbs Age 21

 

Shock and Awe..... lit the KHL on fire last year with an out of this world season as a rookie net minder and so far this season GP 16, 1.25 GAA, 0.942 Save %. This kid seems to be the real deal. The Islanders Jaroslav Halak is currently under contract for this season and next(2017-2018 expires), it is nearly impossible predicting goaltenders but his KHL contract expires April 2018. The potential is there for him to end up coming over in the next few years and competing for a starting job in the NHL. For now he will remain protected on the Pens BRHL prospect list playing in KHL.

 

 

 

3.      Lawson Crouse LW 6’4’’ 212lbs Age 19

 

All the makings of a skilled power forward. Many doubt his abilities although after being traded to Phoenix over the summer he had a strong camp and made his way onto the roster for the Coyotes. He is currently playing a 4th line role with very limited ice time but its a statement he is getting a look from the big club. He is expected to play 9 games here before being sent back down to Kingston in the OHL unless the Coyotes see enough to keep him around and use a year of that entry level contract.

 

 

 

4.      Gustav Forsling D 6’ 0’’ 185 lbs Age 20

 

Forsling surprised everyone with his strong camp to earn a spot on the Blackhawks blue line this year. The big controversy was he is not eligible for the AHL this year so he would either earn a spot or be sent back to Sweden. After 3 GP he is averaging 15:46 minutes of ice time a night and 1:43 on the PP. He is a very smooth skater with good offensive instincts. The BRHL Pens are expecting him to push for a bottom pairing role next year but will be rated as a rookie (R) so the team will once again have options.

 

 

 

5.      Madison Bowey D 6’2’’ 209 lbs Age 21

 

He made a very good impression in camp and preseason games for the Capitals this fall showing what he will be contributing offensively especially on the PP in the near future. However he was sent down for another year of development to the Hershey Bears AHL. As the season moves on Bowey is expected to see some NHL games for the Capitals this season and make the jump to the NHL next season. After 2 GP he has 1 Assist in AHL to start season.

 

 

 

6.      Andrew Nielsen D 6’3’’ 207 lbs Age 19

 

Was one of the final cuts for the Leafs this fall and will spend the season with the Marlies in the AHL. He had a short but productive stint with the Marlies at the end of last season and is having a strong start this year with a goal and 2 assists in the 2 GP so far. Nielsen and fellow Leafs prospect dermott developed a strong chemistry through camp and are both expected at the top of the depth chart. With a shaky young blue line for the Leafs don’t be surprised if Nielsen gets a call up this season for some NHL time.

 

 

 

7.      Nicolas Roy C 6’4’’ 207 lbs Age 19

 

Had a descent camp with the Hurricanes this fall but was cut and sent back to Chicoutimi QMJHL where he will be the captain of his team. He is already off to another great start with 7 GP 3 G 5 A. Roy will most likely make the jump to the AHL next year as he starts to really compete for a roster spot on the Hurricanes. He has the size, skill and tools to develop into what will most likely be a 2nd or 3rd line center at the NHL level. Signed and ELC with Hurricanes this summer

 

 

 

8.      Tyler Lewington D 6’1’’ 197 lbs Age 21

 

Lewington is not a flashy prospect but he is a natural leader and is very good defensively. It is his sophomore season with the AHL Hershey Bears and he will be playing a shut down role on that top pairing with fellow Pens prospect Bowey. He will be competing for a roster in the next few years and will probably carve himself out an NHL career as a bottom pairing PK shut down Dman.

 

 

 

9.      Parker Wotherspoon D 6’0’’ 172 lbs Age 19

 

He is serving this season as an Assistant Captain for the Tri City Americans in the WHL. He got to play 6 AHL games in Bridgeport at the end of last season and is expected to make the step to his pro career in the AHL next season. He is a very good offensive Dman and is off to another hot start with 7GP, 2 G, 10 A. Signed ELC with the Islanders this summer

 

 

 

10.  Connor Hobbs D 6’1’’ 187 lbs Age 19

 

He was the victim of the Andrew Shaw hit in preseason that led to his suspension. Spending another season with the Regina Pats in the WHL and off to a good start with 7GP 2G 5A. Signed an entry level deal with the capitals this summer

 

 

 

Honorary Mention

 

Lukas Jasek RW 5’11’’ 165 lbs Age 19

 

He is currently on Loan to the big club in the Czech HC Frydek-Mistek and is making a good impression with 3 points in 4 games so far.

 

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