Three Prospects Who Could Make the Penguins’ Roster in 2024-25

With training camp a month and a half out, the Pittsburgh Penguins have most of their roster set. Barring any other trades or free agent signings – and there aren’t really any impact free agents remaining on the board – fans should expect to see some young prospects get a crack at the NHL roster.

The team recently signed some recent draft picks – Tristan Broz, Brayden Yager, Tanner Howe, and Harrison Brunicke – to three-year, entry-level contracts. And there are other prospects who might make a push for the NHL roster as well.

So who has the best shot at competing for one of the final spots on the 2024-25 NHL roster?

Tristan Broz

Broz, the second round draft pick of the Penguins in 2021, is coming off of a NCAA championship season playing for Denver. He made his pro debut in April for Wilkes Barre-Scranton and officially signed his entry-level contract on April 20.

The 21-year-old Broz registered 16 goals and 40 points in 43 games for Denver in 2023-24, and after battling some early-season adversity, he finished the year playing as the team’s top-line center. He profiles as a good skater and playmaker, and the Penguins could use his playmaking smarts as a complement on their third line. He also excels at creating offense off the rush:

Vasily Ponomarev

Ponomarev was part of the package the Penguins acquired on March 7 when they traded Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. The 22-year-old Russian center profiles as a bottom-6 player, but some believe he could be an effective third line center in the NHL.

Ponomarev plays a strong two-way game and has offensive upside. His NHL sample size is too small, as he’s only played two games, but he registered 36 goals and 88 points in 120 career…