Inside Scoop: 2026 Penguins Development Camp

THAT’S A WRAP!

It’s always nice talking to the most recent draft picks about what they learned this week, going through all of this for the first time.

“It's been unbelievable. Better than I expected,” said second-round selection Markus Ruck, who was here with his brother Liam, taken in the first round.

“I'm learning so much on and off the ice. Like eating habits, what to eat, supplements to take, how to put on good weight. But also learning little details on the ice from the skating and skills coaches. Everyone here, there's a great support staff, and I'm trying to remember everything they give me, because it's a lot [laughs], but it's so helpful.”

There were off-ice presentations and activities focused on professional development; friendly competitions, such as a cornhole tournament; and a community event: a ball hockey clinic at Richland Community Park Dek Rink. Over 100 participants from the Boys & Girls Club and North Star Dek League got instruction from the Penguins prospects.

“Seeing the smiles on kids' faces, it makes my day,” Markus said. “Because most guys our age don't realize how big of an impact we have on those kids' lives.”

The twins were \the\ story of this year’s draft, and of course, they’re extremely recognizable. So, they’ve had quite a reception.

“One day we were walking back to our hotel and a car slowed down in the middle of the road and said, ‘Welcome to Pittsburgh!’” Markus said. “That’s special, and that means a lot. Everyone’s been so welcoming. Fans are cheering loud, fans are saying hi. I love it here.”

They’ve been such great sports about everything, especially when it comes to content creation, so thank you to the Ruck boys for that!

CAMP CONCLUDES WITH 3-ON-3 TOURNAMENT

After four days of skating and skills sessions, the prospects wrapped up this year’s development camp with some on-ice competition. Team Barrasso won the 3-on-3 tournament, with Markus Ruck scoring a big goal in the championship game, as they defeated Team Rutherford.

Zam Plante, captain of Team Rutherford, was MVP of the day.

“I thought he stood out probably more than anyone today, with just his creativity, his hockey sense,” said Tom Kostopoulos, Penguins Director of Player Development. “And then he can finish, he can make plays.”

Kostopoulos then offered this fun tidbit about the 2022 fifth-round pick, who had 20 goals and 51 points in 40 games last season with Minnesota-Duluth while playing with his younger brother Max, who won the Hobey Baker Award:

“One of the interesting and cool things about development camp is we get to know these kids off the ice too, so we put them in little competitions all throughout the week. He won the cornhole tournament. We're at a bowling alley, he won't sit down from the bowling. We do trivia, he's all over the answers. Seems like anything we play, he's involved in, and guys gravitate to him, and he just seems to like competing and winning.”

Plante had some real chemistry with 2026 fourth-round pick Pierce Mbyugi, as they connected on several plays. “Yeah, he’s a little sniper. He’s fun to play with,” Plante said.

He and the other prospects were impressed with the turnout at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, as it was standing-room only to watch the 3-on-3 tournament.

“It was pretty cool. We saw the other clips of other dev camps yesterday, and we were like, I wonder if people will show up. Games hadn’t even started yet and the place was already full,” Plante said.

It felt like the entire organization was there as well, including Pittsburgh’s coaching staff and Ron Francis, who recently came on board as Special Advisor, Hockey Operations.

“It's just kind of crazy having a legend like that around the rink, and kind of talk with him just like he's another guy at the rink, because he's really not,” said 2025 third-round pick Charlie Trethewey, who has Pittsburgh roots, with his dad Bob growing up in Mount Lebanon. “It's obviously a little bit of pressure wanting to perform, but I think you can't really focus on it. You just got to go worry about what you're going to do and how to perform.”

AN INSPIRING STORY

Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen was a free-agent invite to this year’s camp. His mother, Manon Rhéaume, made history as the first woman to sign a professional hockey contract and to play in an NHL game, appearing in preseason games with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992 and ’93. Pretty much everyone who was involved with hockey at the time – whether at an amateur level or professional level – knew her story. It resonated with Amanda Kessel, who was a kid at the time.

“I think she was one of three or four women's names that you knew. I had Lightning stuff because of her when I was younger,” Kessel said. “Her, Cammi Granato, just a couple of names. But she was a big name, and I think somebody that inspired women's hockey, and has kind of carried that along.”

The newest chapter of Rhéaume’s impressive legacy is being named General Manager of PWHL Detroit, one of the four newest expansion teams. She has been based out of the Detroit area for a while, as the long-standing Girls' Division Director with the Little Caesars AAA (LCAAA) Hockey Club. So, Dakoda has said that her journey coming sort of full circle is one of the coolest parts of her new role.

“It's cool to see her now giving back to the girls game,” Kessel said.

Kessel, the Penguins Director of Minor League Operations and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Assistant GM, spoke on several of the organization’s prospects. Watch below.

A-VERY SPECIAL DEBUT

Earlier this week, I walked up to 2025 fourth-round pick Travis Hayes with the PensTV microphone in hand. “I bet you can guess what I want to ask you about,” I said. “Avery’s debut?” he replied.

It sure was, as his older brother Avery’s first NHL game in February was the stuff of legend last season. That day began with Hayes going to the rink in Wilkes-Barre for an optional practice, where he stayed off the ice and got in a workout. It was around 10:45 AM that Hayes received word he was getting called up to Pittsburgh, as they had players dealing with injury that potentially couldn’t play that night in Buffalo.

“We have a Snapchat group chat together, so Avery sent a message in our group chat. He didn't know if he was gonna be in the lineup or not, but he was like, I think I might be,” Travis said. “So, we were super stoked to hear that. But our family chat was buzzing that day. It was great.”

Travis was at his billet family’s home in Sault Ste. Marie, unable to attend the game in person. Dad Paul, mom Mandy and the youngest Hayes brother, Eli, made the trip. When Avery scored on his first shot of the game, they were in tears, and Travis was in disbelief.

“I thought I was dreaming, to be honest,” Travis said. “I saw that play kind of develop, and he shot the puck and placed it perfectly. So, I mean, I don't know... that was a crazy moment, for sure.”

Avery played 16 total games for Pittsburgh last season before ultimately returning to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League for their Calder Cup playoff run. After completing his season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League, Travis signed an amateur tryout agreement to join Avery in WBS to spend time around the team.

“They had a really special group down there, and I got to go down there for a few weeks, and obviously train with them, and see Aves,” said Travis, adding with a smile, “See what he acts like in front of his teammates and stuff like that. So, yeah, it was really cool.”

Before Travis got to development camp, he had been training with Avery for about a week. Avery had taken a short time off following WBS’ elimination in the Eastern Conference Final before getting back at it. They train with Eli and the oldest Hayes brother, Gavin, who is in the Chicago Blackhawks organization.

“The playoffs obviously pushed (Avery) back a little bit in the gym, but now he's right back at it,” Travis said. “So, big year coming up for him, so he's super jacked about it.”

As for Travis’ own development, he felt like last season was a learning year for him.

“Obviously, I didn't put up the points I wanted,” said Travis, who finished with 40 points (16G-24A). “But I definitely learned a lot from that year. This summer, I think just keep getting stronger, faster, and just little stuff like that. Little increments of my game, just work on that stuff, and I think that'll help me along.”

HORCOFF INJURY UPDATE

Will Horcoff was one of Pittsburgh’s three first-round picks in 2025. He got drafted 24^th overall, behind Bill Zonnon (22^nd) and Ben Kindel (11^th). After taking part in last year’s development camp, he returned to the University of Michigan for his sophomore season, getting off to a scorching hot first half. He scored 19 of his 25 goals through the Dec. 5-6 series with rival Michigan State University.

That month, Horcoff injured his shoulder. “I hurt it pretty bad ... kind of right before Christmas break,” he said. “Kind of was able to play through in the second half, bothered me a little bit. But I just kind of knew that once the season was over, I'd probably have to get it done.”

It’s now been about nine weeks since the surgery.

“Everything's going super well,” Horcoff said. “I've coordinated with Michigan and Pittsburgh, and they've helped me out a lot through this whole process, and it's feeling really good.”

He doesn’t blame the injury for impacting his play in the second half, saying it bothered him a bit, but “at the end of the day, it's part of the game. Guys play through that stuff all the time in playoffs,” Horcoff said.

Kostopoulos feels the 6-5 forward just lost his rhythm at times, which is something he’s working on.

“Just to build that consistency, and just be able to play. If the puck's not going into the net, to have a B game,” he said. “So, it's all things he's building in his game and working on. He's a very intelligent kid and player, so we're excited about him.”

MAKING GAINS

Jake Livanavage is the only player at this year’s development camp with NHL experience, making his debut in Pittsburgh’s regular-season finale after signing a three-year entry-level contract out of the University of North Dakota.

He then stayed with the team through their first-round matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers, trying to learn as much as he could.

“Just how the style of game is, how everybody prepares,” said the 22-year-old defenseman. “It's pretty special to be able to watch those guys prepare every single day, go out to practice and stuff. It’s different being a professional and stuff, and you learn from probably the best to ever do it. So, just super grateful for the opportunity.”

He’s dialed it in since returning home to Arizona when it comes to trying to fill out his 5-10 frame.

“I've put on, I think 15 pounds,” Livanavage said. “So, it's been a lot. Now, just trying to get used to that weight being on and skating and stuff. Your legs have to work a little bit harder. But you're in the gym working out the whole time, just getting them stronger. So, I think overall it helps.”

He gives all the credit to his mom Amy for helping him add the weight.

“She makes a lot of food for me and stuff. She's been there for me since the first day I started skating,” he said. “It just shows how much she cares and what she's put into this. So, yeah, I mean, it's all thanks to her.”

“I DON’T KNOW IF ANOTHER PROSPECT ... GREW AS MUCH AS HE DID”

During his media availability to open camp, Penguins director of player development Tom Kostopoulos gave 2025 fifth-round pick Quinn Beauchesne some high praise.

“I don't know if another prospect in our organization grew as much as he did during the season last year,” Kostopoulos said. “It was great to see. You could see him mature as a leader, as an individual, and like, really take ownership of his career and his development. Really happy with him.”

Beauchesne didn’t know Kostopoulos had said that until we mentioned it, and it meant a lot to him.

“Hearing that, that's pretty cool,” Beauchesne said. “I definitely take pride in my growth over the last year. I think just owning what you have to do better and being able to assert that into the game.”

The defenseman spent the entire season with the OHL’s Guelph Storm, finishing with seven goals and 35 points in 56 games. Kostopoulos said Beauchesne had a challenging start, and needed to improve certain details of his game, like his gaps, using his feet, having a good stick, and keeping his compete level high.

“He's got snarl to his game, he'll stick up for his teammates, he's got a nasty edge,” Kostopoulos said. Beauchesne worked through those challenges, and became one of the OHL’s top defenders by the end of the year

SEPARATED AT CAMP

The big news of the first day was that Liam and Markus Ruck started Penguins development camp on different teams.

Pittsburgh landed both of the identical twins over the weekend in Buffalo, taking Liam in the first round (22^nd overall) and Markus in the second (39^th overall). It was *the* story of this year’s NHL Draft.

They are the best of friends, saying they never argue or fight, and love spending time together. People have been amazed by the fact that the longest the boys have been apart in their 18 years is four days. So, it’s a unique situation from the Penguins perspective, trying to figure out the right development path for each of them.

“It's really neat. It's interesting. I'm learning while getting to know them, but the whole organization is really excited. The way it played out in the draft was really cool to watch,” said Tom Kostopoulos, Penguins Director of Player Development. “But they are different individuals, so I think we also got to talk about them and understand that in camp here, we're trying to separate them a little bit on different teams and stuff, just so they get to know some more of the players and staff and that.”

The twins have been teammates and linemates for most of their lives, with complementary playing styles. Kostopoulos called Markus an “incredible playmaker,” saying he possesses lots of intelligence. He said Liam has a tremendous shot, and does a great job of finding space in the offensive zone to finish plays and score goals. They can’t remember a time when they played against each other.

“But it'll be fun,” Liam said. “It's always fun competing with him, and seeing all the great players here, it's gonna be cool to compete with them out here, too.”

Those who know them best say the boys are better together. The dream is to turn professional together. But as they move forward into this next phase of their hockey careers, the Ruck twins simply may not be on the same timeline.

“So, I think it's for sure important to learn to play apart from each other in case of an injury or we're not on the same team for whatever reason,” Markus said. “I think it's good for us.”

In the meantime, the twins will be checking in with each other whenever they can.

“We want to know what each other are doing if we're not together,” Markus said. “I'm always texting him. He's always texting me. Even on days like this, where we're both at the rink, but we don't see each other a lot, we'll check in on each other if we're doing different things, and see how each other's days went. We got a really good bond, and a special bond.”

SUMMER SCHOOL IS IN SESSION

Pittsburgh’s annual development camp began Monday (June 29) and will run through Friday (July 3). It features a variety of off-ice presentations and activities focused on professional development, in addition to the on-ice sessions.

“Just want to learn as much as I can from the staff,” said Liam Ruck, this year’s first-round pick. “Obviously, they're in the NHL for a reason, so just kind of pick their brains a little bit and learn some new things and take it back with me when I go back home.”

A couple of notes on the below rosters (full roster is here):

*The players who took part in lengthy playoff runs with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League and Wheeling of the ECHL were given development camp off this year. “We thought they need a break, and to get into the gym,” said Tom Kostopoulos, Penguins Director of Player Development. “I think it’s a good problem to have.”

*Will Horcoff, Melvin Fernstrom and Mac Swanson are here this week, but not taking part in any on-ice sessions due to injury. “I just don't think they were ready for contact,” Kostopoulos said. “But it's good to have them in here and working with the medical staff and the performance department, and being around the guys, getting to know the other players, getting to know our staff, and seeing everything our organization has to offer.”

*The teams are named after Penguins legends: goaltender Tom Barrasso, who backstopped the Penguins to their first two Stanley Cups in 1991 and ’92; defenseman Larry Murphy, who was also on those championship squads; and former general manager Jim Rutherford, who constructed the 2016 and ’17 championship teams.

2025 second-round pick Peyton Kettles, who missed most of last season due to injury, is captain of Team Barrasso. 2025 fifth-round pick Ryan Miller, who scored 30 goals in 65 games last season with Portland of the WHL, is captain of Team Murphy. And 2022 fifth-round pick Zam Plante, who recorded 50 points (20G-30A) in 40 games played with Minnesota-Duluth, is captain of Team Rutherford.

The full on-ice schedule is as follows. Team A is Murphy, Team B is Barrasso, Team C is Rutherford. All sessions are open to the public and free of charge:

Monday, June 29:

9:00 AM – Goalie On-Ice Session (Covestro Rink)
10:00 AM – Team A Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)
11:00 AM – Team B Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)
12:00 PM – Team C Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)

Tuesday, June 30:

9:00 AM – Goalie On-Ice Session (Covestro Rink)
10:00 AM – Team B Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)
11:00 AM – Team C Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)
12:00 PM – Team A Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)

Wednesday, July 1:

9:00 AM – Goalie On-Ice Session (Covestro Rink)
10:00 AM – Team C Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)
11:45 AM – Team A Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)
1:30 PM – Team B Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)

Thursday, July 2:

9:00 AM – Goalie On-Ice Session (Covestro Rink)
10:00 AM – Team A Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)
11:45 AM – Team B Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)
1:30 PM – Team C Skating & Skills (FedEx & Covestro Rink)

Friday, July 3:

12:00 PM – Tournament (FedEx Rink)