It’s been a while since the Pittsburgh Penguins had a group of prospects that bring genuine excitement for the future.
After a couple of first round draft picks, the Penguins have built themselves a much more reputable pipeline with multiple names that have a legitimate chance of having long, successful NHL careers.
Among the highlights in the prospect pool are Brayden Yager and Owen Pickering, both first round picks in the last two drafts.
With the annual World Junior Championship right around the corner, the Penguins have a number of quality prospects who could represent their countries at the tournament.
According to the Athletic, both Yager and Pickering have a great chance of being main features in the Team Canada lineup.
Yager has put together a fantastic start to the 2023-24 season with his Moose Jaw Warriors.
In 20 games played since returning to his WHL squad, Yager has scored 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 total points.
Before being sent back to Moose Jaw, Yager put together a respectable camp with the Penguins; both in practices and preseason games, Yager showed his worth.
Pickering was injured for a vast majority of Penguins camp, but got in a skate before being sent back to captain his Swift Current Broncos in the WHL.
As a defenseman, Pickering isn’t expected to be a bombastic scorer, but does have three goals and nine assists for 12 points with six power play assists.
Yager and Pickering are not only two of the best prospects in the Penguins system, but some of the best young talent Canada has to offer.
Outside of Canada, however, there is one more Penguins prospect who could make noise at World Juniors.
Recent third round pick, defenseman Emil Pieniniemi has a chance to help on the blue line for Team Finland.
Playing in his native Finland, Pieniniemi has been developing as a solid defensive defenseman with his size and skillset.
The Penguins liked what they saw from Pieniniemi in his brief run in North America and could find even more success on the international stage.
Pieniniemi is a real sleeper in the Penguins pipeline as a possible useful tool in the future.
More often than not, Penguins fans haven’t had much to look forward to with the World Junior Championships.
This time around, however, there may be a heavier Penguins representation than normal, giving for a great look at what the future may hold.
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