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NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to NHL.com.

1. Brayden Yager, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 14 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Moose Jaw (WHL): 57 GP, 35-60-95

Over the past three seasons with Moose Jaw, Yager has made consistent progress. The 19-year-old increased his score from 59 points (34 goals, 25 assists) in 63 games during the 2021-22 season to 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 67 games for the 2022-23 season. His performance peaked last season with a total of 95 points.

The offensive potential offered by Yager (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) could be advantageous for Pittsburgh. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native expressed his desire to vie for a position at the training camp in September. However, he is still seeking to gain some size to improve his competitive edge in the NHL.

“Penguins assistant general manager, Jason Spezza, stated, “I would never wish to restrict a young player’s chances of making the team. They control that by how they show up and play. Yet, we noticed remarkable development in his ability to handle difficult matchups.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

2. Joel Blomqvist, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 52 pick in 2020 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 45 GP, 25-12-6, 2.16 GAA, .921 SV%

Blomqvist, at 22 years of age, potentially represents the future of goalkeeping in Pittsburgh. His performance in the American Hockey League last season was remarkable, ranking third with a 2.16 average of goals-against and fifth with a save percentage of .921. This has led to inquiries about the current goalkeeping situation of the Penguins.

Tristan Jarry, the primary starter, is entering the second season of a five-year contract, and Alex Nedeljkovic signed a two-year contract June 20 to remain the backup. So there remains a roadblock for Blomqvist to reach the NHL.

If Blomqvist (6-2, 183) continues to make progress, he could soon be in Pittsburgh.

“Joel’s performance and his ability to assert himself at the AHL level is what we are looking at,” said General Manager Kyle Dubas. “Based on that, we will be able to gather more information to make decisions about our goaltending.”

Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Owen Pickering, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 21 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Swift Current (WHL): 59 GP, 7-39-46

Pickering, similar to Yager, is a recent first-round pick aiming to make the NHL from training camp. The 20-year-old has a better chance than his initial two seasons post-draft, when injuries prevented him from participating in training camp.

If Pickering (6-3, 179) doesn’t make it to the NHL, it is anticipated that he will play a significant role with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. However, he didn’t score a point in eight games there in the 2022-23 season.

“Clearly, I’m just working on improving my strength and explosiveness,” said Pickering. “I’ve managed to gain some weight. The next step is to mature my game to match the professional level.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Ville Koivunen, F

How acquired: Acquired in trade from the Carolina Hurricanes on March 7

2023-24 season: Karpat (Liiga): 59 GP, 22-34-56

Koivunen (5-foot-11, 161) was a primary piece of the return in the trade that sent forward Jake Guentzel to Carolina. He has high hockey sense that has made up for skating that has yet to fully develop.

This season, the 21-year-old may play a significant role with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as he continues to adjust to North America. He previously played 12 games with the American Hockey League’s Chicago team in the 2022-23 season, before spending the last season in the top professional league in his homeland of Finland.

“Spezza stated, “The rink in the American League and the NHL closes faster than in Finland. We will assist him with this transition.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Vasily Ponomarev, F

How acquired: Acquired in trade from Carolina on March 7

2023-24 season: Carolina (NHL): 2 GP, 1-1-2; Chicago (AHL): 39 GP, 8-21-29; Tucson (AHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 4 GP, 1-0-1

Ponomarev, who was part of the return for Guentzel, had an impressive NHL debut with the Hurricanes on Jan. 5, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a 6-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. However, a high ankle sprain he suffered in late March while playing with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton disrupted what was shaping up to be a promising season for the 22-year-old.

Despite having limited offseason training due to an injury, Ponomarev (5-10, 180) might still be able to play for the Penguins this season.

“Dubas said it’s regrettable that he suffered a serious injury after playing well when he came over. It will require meticulous care to recover,”.

Projected NHL arrival: This season