Entering last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ prospect pool was looking bleak. But no one expected this. 

It was pretty much the worst scenario for their many junior prospects transitioning to the AHL. Few scored, and some found themselves in the ECHL. 

Development, save for a couple of lucky players, was non-existent. And then, the exodus began. 

Filip Hållander, one of the organization’s only successful AHL players, headed back to Sweden. Filip Lindberg, once an exciting NCAA goalie prospect, headed to Finland. Nathan Légaré was traded away. 

Their depth will be defined by the improvements of their 2023 NHL Draft class, which featured an interesting blend of skill and intelligence, as well as the potential for some rebound seasons for the AHLers.

Until then, this is a two-player prospect pool with a handful of interesting pieces. But those two are quite the start.