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Penguins farm system first ever to be ranked 31st

August 16, 2017, 11:53 AM ET [151 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
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The Pittsburgh Penguins can't complain much these days. They have been the best team in the NHL for two consecutive seasons. Each team sets out to accomplish just that every year. The Penguins are in their win now window with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin both in their thirties now.

It does come at a cost and that cost is their development system. The Penguins will be the first team to ever be ranked 31st overall by ESPN Insider Corey Pronman.




The Penguins have been at the bottom of my farm rankings two of the past three years -- and of course, they have won the Stanley Cup two straight seasons. I think the Penguins and their fans will take it. Daniel Sprong remains the sole shining light in the pipeline, but the system is shot after a heavy push to move picks for NHL-ready assets in recent seasons.


Clearly the Penguins regret going back-to-back, but the pipeline being dry isn't good for a win now team either. When you want to add to your roster with established players it will usually cost you futures. Pittsburgh is running out of those and need to be careful with any potential big splashes they might be considering IE: Matt Duchene.

In Corey Pronman's top 100 prospects Daniel Sprong is the only Penguin. He is ranked 23rd out of the 100 players




Sprong is basically the entirety of the Penguins' farm system right now and had a strong season in the QMJHL as a 19-year-old, prepping him to compete for a job this fall. He is a game-breaker with high-end speed, puck skills and finishing ability. He can be a little selfish at times, but he's a dynamic shot generator and playmaker. He's not an option to kill penalties or use on a big defensive zone draw, but he'll score a lot of goals and push the play forward.


The 24th ranked player on this list is worth noting. It is Klim Kostin. That is the player St. Louis selected with Pittsburgh's first round pick in the Ryan Reaves trade.

Kostin's ice time was limited playing versus men this past season in Russia, but he has impressed in international play the past few years. His skill level is incredible, as he makes tough offensive plays seem easy. He can stick handle in open space, but also excels as a playmaker, making the smart play. He can get caught trying to do too much, but usually reads the ice well and makes the right decision. Kostin's skating isn't high-end, but he skates well for a player his size, and should be average as a pro.


Seems like the kind of player the 31st ranked prospect system could use instead of a face puncher. What's done is done though.

Pittsburgh can try to improve their prospect depth by making a run at Will Butcher. He is now officially a free agent and the Penguins are planning on targeting him.




I have yet to see anything linking Butcher with a visit to Pittsburgh. He will be visiting with Jason Botterill and the Buffalo Sabres and Ray Shero in New Jersey. The Vegas Golden Knights are also on the schedule.

Pittsburgh is going to have some competition for Butcher, but they do have a nice track record with college players. Also,their defense corp. is the weakness of the team so there may be opportunity sooner than what most Cup contending teams could provide. Justin Schultz is also an interesting variable in the situation because he famously went the college UFA route and chose wrong. Perhaps Pittsburgh could use him as part of their sales pitch.

If successful this is the type of signing that can help dig Pittsburgh out of their league worst ranking. For now, it remains the worst.

Thanks for reading!
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