2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins Top Prospects

Wes Crosby
NHL.com
Aug. 22nd, 2026
Steven Ellis
Daily Faceoff
August 5th, 2026
McKeen’s Hockey
May 9th, 2026
Scott Wheeler
The Athletic
Mar. 25th, 2026
1 Sergei Murashov (G) Harrison Brunicke (RHD) Harrison Brunicke (RHD) Will Horcoff (C/LW)
2 Harrison Brunicke (RHD) Sergei Murashov (G) Rutger McGroarty (LW) Harrison Brunicke (RHD)
3 Will Horcoff (C) Rutger McGroarty (C/LW) Will Horcoff (C) Rutger McGroarty (C/LW)
4 Rutger McGroarty (F) Will Horcoff (C) Sergei Murashov (G) Bill Zonnon (LW)
5 Bill Zonnon (RW) Bill Zonnon (RW) Owen Pickering (LHD) Ville Koivunen (LW)
6 Liam Ruck (RW) Bill Zonnon (RW) Sergei Murashov (G)
7 Markus Ruck (C) Ville Koivunen (LW) Owen Pickering (LHD)
8 Owen Pickering (LHD) Tristan Broz (C) Joel Blomqvist (G)
9 Ville Koivunen (LW) Mikhail Ilyin (LW) Peyton Kettles (RHD)
10 Avery Hayes (RW) Tanner Howe (LW) Cruz Lucius (RW)

** Different sites can use different criteria for determining who is still a prospect. Also, for Dobber Prospect lists they take a fantasy hockey approach – prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL.

Harrison Brunicke – Brunicke is an excellent skater with smooth mobility in all directions, allowing him to transition the puck effectively and defend rushes with confidence. His offensive game continues to expand, particularly his ability to activate into the play and create chances from the blue line. Defensively, he has become more composed and physical, using his size and skating together rather than relying on one or the other.

Sergei Murashov – The Russian netminder has posted outstanding numbers at multiple levels and continues to impress scouts with his combination of athleticism and technical refinement. Murashov tracks pucks exceptionally well, moves efficiently in the crease, and displays strong rebound control for a young goalie. What stands out most is his consistency; he rarely has poor performances and consistently gives his team a chance to win.

Will Horcoff – The son of former NHL captain Shawn Horcoff, Will combines a large frame with strong offensive instincts and an increasingly complete game. Standing well over six feet tall, he uses his size effectively along the boards and around the net while also showing soft hands and playmaking ability.

Rutger McGroarty – His game is built around winning puck battles, driving the net, and making plays in difficult areas of the ice. While not an elite skater, he compensates with outstanding hockey sense and relentless effort. McGroarty has consistently produced offense at every level while also showing the ability to handle defensive responsibilities.

Bill Zonnon – Zonnon plays a smart two-way game and has shown the ability to contribute offensively as both a scorer and playmaker. His puck skills and creativity stand out, but what has impressed scouts most is his willingness to compete and engage physically despite not being the biggest player.

2026 Pittsburgh Penguins Draft Picks

Round No. Player Pos. Team Ht. Wt.
1 22 Liam Ruck RW Medicine Hat (WHL) 6′ 0″ 174
2 39 Markus Ruck C Medicine Hat (WHL) 6′ 0″ 164
2 54 Tomas Galvas LHD Liberec (CZE) 5’10” 168
3 86 Pierce Mbuyi LW Owen Sound (OHL) 5’10” 160
4 111 Parker Von Richter D Barrie (OHL) 6′ 1″ 205
5 160 Matvei Nikonovich G Togliatti Jr (RUS Jr) 6′ 1″ 150

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2026-27 Critical Dates

Sept. 19: Preseason games begin.
Sept. 29: Regular Season Opening Night (FLA at CAR)
Oct. 13: All 32 teams play
Oct. 25: NHL Heritage Classic (MTL vs. WPG) Nov. & 14: NHL Global Series in Helsinki, Finland (CAR and SEA)
Dec. 18 & 20: NHL Global Series in Germany (OTT and CHI)
Dec. 31: NHL Winter Classic (COL vs. UTA)