A lot of the focus has been on the Penguins prospects over the past week. They recently wrapped up their tournament in Buffalo finishing atop the standings. Actual training camp will be starting in a few days and the prospects from the tournament will have to go up against some legitimate NHL talent.
Some of that talent is under 25 years old and was included in Corey Pronman's top 100 under 25 list.
New post at @TheAthleticNHL: The Top 100 players under 25: 100-50 edition https://t.co/IqdKDOZZK7
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) September 11, 2017
Pittsburgh only had two players out of the 100. That really shouldn't come as a surprise because most of their high end talent has been around for quite some time.
Rookie winger and leading playoff goal scorer Jake Guentzel found his way on the list at #53
53. Jake Guentzel, LW, PittsburghAfter injuries plagued the Penguins, Guentzel, who was fantastic late in the 2015-16 AHL season, got an opportunity to shine. While he won’t shoot at the 20 percent rate he did in the season or the 25 percent in the playoffs, he has shown he is a skilled winger who can make quick reads at an NHL pace with a good shot. He’s not an incredibly explosive player but he’s very smart and knows what to do with the puck on his stick.
His hockey IQ is one of his best assets. I have always said that you can't teach a player how to manipulate time and space when defenders are closing in. Guentzel does a nice job of this. He does a nice job of combining his awareness with his skilled hands. Understanding time and space is a great way to appeal to Sidney Crosby. It's something that Chris Kunitz did so well for many years.
The Penguins current starting goaltender also made the list.
42. Matthew Murray, G, PittsburghMurray has been nothing short of exceptional since turning pro in the AHL and entering the top level with the Penguins. He’s one of the smartest young goalies I’ve ever seen, being able to adjust to the NHL pace and square up pucks at an elite rate despite not having Marc-Andre Fleury's athleticism (sorry Penguins fans, it was low hanging fruit).
All Matt Murray has done is win a Stanley Cup in both of his playoff appearances. His underlying numbers all point to a goaltender who will have sustained success at the NHL level. The only question that remains is if that success will be as one of the best at his position or somebody that is above average. Either would be fine for what the Penguins are paying him on his current contract.
Olli Maatta was one of the honorable mentions. Just a few years ago you would have thought he would be an automatic for a list like this. Many variables have played into his decline since his rookie season. Injuries, cancer, mumps, and not playing with Matt Niskanen in a bottom pairing role are the main factors. If I were a betting man I don't think Maatta has a huge leash with his 4M contract and the ability for Rutherford to find a suitor for him.
Thanks for reading!