Top prospects for Pittsburgh Penguins

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect 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. Sergei Murashov, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 118 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Pittsburgh (NHL): 5 GP, 1-1-2, 2.56 GAA, .897 SV%; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 38 GP, 24-9-3, 2.20 GAA, .919 SV%

Murashov (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) could get his first extended look in the NHL after making his debut last season. He allowed four goals on 55 shots in his first three games before giving up eight on 50 shots in his final two and going back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.

The 22-year-old was third in the AHL in goals-against average (2.20) and save percentage (.919). Fellow Penguins prospect Joel Blomqvist, who has also been discussed as Pittsburgh's potential goalie of the future, was sixth in GAA (2.40) and seventh in save percentage (.913).

"My full expectation is that the two of them, Sergei and Joel, will be competing for a roster spot here this year," Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said. "I think they both have earned, over years now, the chance to compete for that."

Murashov, who is 36-12-4 with a 2.33 GAA and .917 save percentage in two AHL seasons, seems to have the edge.

Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Harrison Brunicke, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 44 pick in 2024 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Pittsburgh (NHL): 9 GP, 1-0-1; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 11 GP, 1-7-8; Kamloops (WHL): 24 GP, 2-22-24

A strong camp earned Brunicke (6-3, 201) a spot with the Penguins to begin last season before being sent back to Kamloops of the Western Hockey League.

The 20-year-old eventually had an extended stay in the AHL. He had seven points (two goals, five assists) in 15 games during the Calder Cup Playoffs, playing on the top defense pair for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's run to the Eastern Conference Final.

"As a 19-year-old, playing the first pair of an American League team that's had good results, and he's having a strong impact on it," Dubas said. "I mean, he's an active player. When you watch the game, you know it's him, So he's been very good, and it's a great opportunity down there for him now."

Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. William Horcoff, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 24 pick in 2025 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Michigan (NCAA): 40 GP, 25-14-39

Horcoff (6-5, 190) had a successful sophomore season at Michigan with 25 goals, tied for the second-most in college hockey last season. That was despite playing a chunk of it with an injured right shoulder that required offseason surgery.

"I was able to play through it," Horcoff said. "It bothered me a little bit, but at the end of the day, it's part of the game. Guys play through that stuff all the time."

The 19-year-old should be ready for another potential jump as a junior at Michigan.

"I think, at times, he lost his rhythm a little bit," Pittsburgh director of player development Tom Kostopoulos said. "But that's something that he knows, he understands and he's working on."

Projected NHL arrival: 2028-29 season

4. Rutger McGroarty, F

How acquired: Acquired in trade with Winnipeg Jets on Aug. 22, 2024
2025-26 season: Pittsburgh (NHL): 24 GP, 3-3-6; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 30 GP, 10-24-34

McGroarty (6-1, 212) was the clear top prospect in the Penguins' system after being traded from the Jets for fellow forward prospect Brayden Yager. His stock has taken a hit since.

The 22-year-old has nine points (four goals, five assists) in 32 games with Pittsburgh the past two seasons. His skating is a primary concern, but Dubas said McGroarty has made strides recently.

"He's put in the work and improved on it," Dubas said. "So we expect next year that he'll have every opportunity to earn a spot here. How high in the lineup that is will be up to him."

Projected NHL arrival: This season

5. Bill Zonnon, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 22 pick in 2025 draft
2025-26 season: Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL): 35 GP, 14-32-46

After completing his season with Blainville-Boisbriand of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, Zonnon (6-2, 190) played 11 playoff games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and made an impression with seven points (four goals, three assists).

The Penguins held the 19-year-old out of development camp after he showcased his versatility in the AHL run. Zonnon has a complete game, working well both on and off the puck. His strength has improved, Kostopoulos said, which he'll need in a full season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Projected NHL arrival: Next season