Penguins Expected to Pursue Top College Free Agent

PITTSBURGH – With the trade deadline well behind everyone, teams across the NHL, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, have started taking looks at college free agents. One of the biggest names out there is Collin Graf from Quinnipiac.

According to Elliotte Friedman in his written 32 Thoughts, the Penguins are likely one of the teams expressing interest in Graf. Friedman says that Graf is one of the top players available from the NCAA.

"I’d expect Pittsburgh to be one of the teams taking a long look at Quinnipiac’s Collin Graf."

At 6 feet, 180 pounds, Graf is a 21-year-old forward having an outstanding year as Quinnipiac’s alternate captain. In 31 games, he has scored 22 goals and 26 assists for a team-leading 48 points. During the 2022-23 season, Graf notched 59 points in 41 games.

The Penguins' prospect pool has improved under Kyle Dubas's watchful eye, but adding solid offensive talent like Graf would really help build a team for the future.

Multiple NHL teams have shown interest in Graf, but no one has signed him. Leading into the 2023-24 season, Graf spent time with the Nashville Predators development camp. In the year prior, he worked with the Florida Panthers prospect camp.

SportsNet has ranked Graf as the best available college free agent and stated he has the potential to reach a top-six role at the NHL level.