The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t seen much success from their prospects over the last few seasons, and most of that is because they haven’t had a great pipeline for some time now.
One key prospect, however, has emerged as a viable option for the Penguins to keep at the NHL level and continue to feed him opportunities to succeed.
24-year-old Valtteri Puustinen has played in five NHL games this year but has impressed with each shift he takes.
“He's an eager, enthusiastic learner, he's going to get better with every game,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “He's going to get better with each experience that he goes through.”
Puustinen is yet to score a goal at the NHL level but has picked up four assists and just had the best game of his young career against the Minnesota Wild.
In the Penguins 4-3 win, Puustinen notched a couple of assists, one on a really smart play with his linemate Evgeni Malkin on a 2-on-1 break.
Puustinen seemed to fake his shot and turn it into a quick pass to give Malkin a wide open net; ever since Puustinen was recalled from the AHL, he’s been playing on the second line with Malkin and Reilly Smith.
“He’s a fun guy and a really good player,” Puustinen said on Malkin. “I like playing with him.”
With each passing game, Puustinen appears more comfortable and confident in his position, and he recognizes that.
He’s still getting a grasp of the English language, but he seems to feel at home in Pittsburgh.
“Feeling day-to-day is better,” Puustinen said. “All the guys here know my English is not the best, but guys don't care. They talk to me, and it's funny if I don't talk in perfect English.”
Despite a language barrier, Puustinen is earning a real chance of sticking on the NHL roster and if this play keeps up, it’ll be well deserved.
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