The youth movement is arriving in Pittsburgh.
So far this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have had ten rookies play at least one game for them, leading the NHL.
These prospects coming up are participating in all facets. Harrison Brunicke and Owen Pickering made appearances on the blue line, Ben Kindel found his groove in the NHL at just 18, and goaltender Sergei Murashov showcased some skill filling in for injury.
One of those new faces we have seen the most is winger Ville Koivunen.
The 22-year-old forward, who was a part of the Jake Guentzel trade from Carolina and is looking to establish himself at the NHL level. He’s a prospect a lot of fans were really excited about, but as he has shown some growing pains at the NHL level, I’ve seen some people already declare him a bust.
Criticism of his game so far this season is fair. The production from him this season, to this point, is not what we would have hoped. In 15 games for the Penguins so far this season, where he is averaging 12:36 a night on the ice, Koivunen has registered just two assists.
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