Prospect Info: '24-'25 Prospects Thread: Generation Z

[Jag68Sid87]

Isn't Hallander a little young for a Mike Sullivan team? Does he expect to suddenly push aside a Matt Nieto? I believe more seasoning is required, young fella.

 

[KareemTrustfund]

Melvin Doo has had a better D+1 season in Sweden than recent first round picks like Lekkermaki, Ostlund and Ohgren.

 

[Jacob]

Here’s a goal from earlier in the year.

 

[Darren McCord]

Melvin Doo has had a better D+1 season in Sweden than recent first round picks like Lekkermaki, Ostlund and Ohgren.

At least its fun to have some prospect in top leagues two watch now like him and Ilyin

 

[Pancakes]

Here’s a goal from earlier in the year.

Definitely an NHL caliber release

 

[Empoleon8771]

Yeah like I said in the trade thread, he reminds me of Martin Frk as a prospect. Just hope he pans out better than Frk did.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Interesting discussion, probably more suited for this off-season: what do the Penguins do with Howe next year? Since he was born in November 2025, he's eligible to go to the AHL in his draft+2 year next year. But considering he's been kinda underwhelming this year in juniors, do you send him back for another year in the WHL?

The CHL allows players up to age 21 to play in any of the leagues, so Howe does have the ability to play another year in juniors. He will have 4 full seasons completed in the WHL by next year, so maybe you can argue there's nothing else for him to do there, but the production is super underwhelming for a guy coming into the AHL.

 

[Darren McCord]

Interesting discussion, probably more suited for this off-season: what do the Penguins do with Howe next year? Since he was born in November 2025, he's eligible to go to the AHL in his draft+2 year next year. But considering he's been kinda underwhelming this year in juniors, do you send him back for another year in the WHL?

The CHL allows players up to age 21 to play in any of the leagues, so Howe does have the ability to play another year in juniors. He will have 4 full seasons completed in the WHL by next year, so maybe you can argue there's nothing else for him to do there, but the production is super underwhelming for a guy coming into the AHL.

Bring him in 100%. You have a lot of good young players that can help him along and he won't be asked to do much. Heck even wheeling has been doing a good job winning and developing players like Calvert and Beck. It is better for development for players to be in the organization.

 

[PenguinSuitedUp]

Interesting discussion, probably more suited for this off-season: what do the Penguins do with Howe next year? Since he was born in November 2025, he's eligible to go to the AHL in his draft+2 year next year. But considering he's been kinda underwhelming this year in juniors, do you send him back for another year in the WHL?

The CHL allows players up to age 21 to play in any of the leagues, so Howe does have the ability to play another year in juniors. He will have 4 full seasons completed in the WHL by next year, so maybe you can argue there's nothing else for him to do there, but the production is super underwhelming for a guy coming into the AHL.

I think Howe will benefit from AHL time. He’s going to be a role player more than a top player on any team. So he needs the challenge of increased competition while finding out how to be an impactful 2nd/3rd line role player.

 

[OtherThingsILike]

Unfortunately, the site won't let me load just the second picture, which is about Ilyin. It's an interesting read.

 

[Randy Butternubs]

Unfortunately, the site won't let me load just the second picture, which is about Ilyin. It's an interesting read.

"It cannot be understated just how intelligent Mikhail Ilyin is. Every puck touch feels so valuable with him, regardless of his position on the ice, because his play-reading skill is elite. You can see how much he pre-scans before getting the puck and by the time an opponent looked to pressure him, the puck was gone and off to set up a play. There's so much chemistry on this Severstal top unit, Ilyin being the baby of the group is almost hard to believe because he looks like he's been playing at this level for a decade. He's involved heavily with transitions and uses his sense both with the puck and without it just as well. His routes are effective for panicking the defence. Into the offensive zone, he's more of a perimeter player due to his possession skill and inside vision. Having the ability to consistently make one-touch passes to set up chances or secondary chances is incredibly valuable and it's perfect for this system where it feels like every goal that's scored is overshadowed by the buildup play. The question still remains if he's just a really good fit for this team or if there's legit NHL potential. He still isn't a toolsy player, but the sense and motor are at such high levels that I don't think he'll need to be making more difficult plays in open ice. I could see a middle-six, complementary winger with him. Defensive work rate is solid and he positions himself to make plays often, pressures the point well, and provides good neutral zone support. Combining that with his innate ability to make fantastic plays with the puck barely staying on his stick seems like it could just work in the NHL. Getting him out of Cherepovets may prove difficult, though."

 

[Andy99]

"It cannot be understated just how intelligent Mikhail Ilyin is. Every puck touch feels so valuable with him, regardless of his position on the ice, because his play-reading skill is elite. You can see how much he pre-scans before getting the puck and by the time an opponent looked to pressure him, the puck was gone and off to set up a play. There's so much chemistry on this Severstal top unit, Ilyin being the baby of the group is almost hard to believe because he looks like he's been playing at this level for a decade. He's involved heavily with transitions and uses his sense both with the puck and without it just as well. His routes are effective for panicking the defence. Into the offensive zone, he's more of a perimeter player due to his possession skill and inside vision. Having the ability to consistently make one-touch passes to set up chances or secondary chances is incredibly valuable and it's perfect for this system where it feels like every goal that's scored is overshadowed by the buildup play. The question still remains if he's just a really good fit for this team or if there's legit NHL potential. He still isn't a toolsy player, but the sense and motor are at such high levels that I don't think he'll need to be making more difficult plays in open ice. I could see a middle-six, complementary winger with him. Defensive work rate is solid and he positions himself to make plays often, pressures the point well, and provides good neutral zone support. Combining that with his innate ability to make fantastic plays with the puck barely staying on his stick seems like it could just work in the NHL. Getting him out of Cherepovets may prove difficult, though."

He’ll get 8 min on L4 under Sullivan, assuming he PKs, and he’ll love it lol…

 

[Jacob]

Getting to be that time.. any NCAA FAs we should try to target? Since we can offer them a couple NHL games late in the year, and we're now entering an obvious rebuild-mode, we might be able to lure one or a couple of the bigger names.

 

[PensFutures]

Getting to be that time.. any NCAA FAs we should try to target? Since we can offer them a couple NHL games late in the year, and we're now entering an obvious rebuild-mode, we might be able to lure one or a couple of the bigger names.

After seeing him the other night, a guy I wouldnt be shocked to see on an ECHL/AHL deal is d-man Noah Beck. Teammates at ASU with Cruz Lucius, and the older brother of current Nailer Jack Beck. 6'3 210, nearly PPG this year, and isnt afraid to try put someone through the boards. He was drafted in 2020 by STL, but I dont see he was ever signed so I think hes an FA?

 

[HandshakeLine]

I like people who throw hits.

 

[Tasty Biscuits]

I like people who throw hits.

Meh, give me someone who writes them.

 

[SEALBound]

"It cannot be understated just how intelligent Mikhail Ilyin is. Every puck touch feels so valuable with him, regardless of his position on the ice, because his play-reading skill is elite. You can see how much he pre-scans before getting the puck and by the time an opponent looked to pressure him, the puck was gone and off to set up a play. There's so much chemistry on this Severstal top unit, Ilyin being the baby of the group is almost hard to believe because he looks like he's been playing at this level for a decade. He's involved heavily with transitions and uses his sense both with the puck and without it just as well. His routes are effective for panicking the defence. Into the offensive zone, he's more of a perimeter player due to his possession skill and inside vision. Having the ability to consistently make one-touch passes to set up chances or secondary chances is incredibly valuable and it's perfect for this system where it feels like every goal that's scored is overshadowed by the buildup play. The question still remains if he's just a really good fit for this team or if there's legit NHL potential. He still isn't a toolsy player, but the sense and motor are at such high levels that I don't think he'll need to be making more difficult plays in open ice. I could see a middle-six, complementary winger with him. Defensive work rate is solid and he positions himself to make plays often, pressures the point well, and provides good neutral zone support. Combining that with his innate ability to make fantastic plays with the puck barely staying on his stick seems like it could just work in the NHL. Getting him out of Cherepovets may prove difficult, though."

Music to my ears. The KHL may prove to be the best development route for him for the next year or two. Tough to see an immediate spot for him but maybe once the likes of Poulin, McGroarty, Puljujarvi, etc are in the NHL or gone, a slot could open up. The big question, as stated is whether not he even wants to come over. He did comment awhile back that the Pens have contacted him a couple times just to check in. But if he makes the NHL in any capacity, it would be a major win for a 5th round pick.

After seeing him the other night, a guy I wouldnt be shocked to see on an ECHL/AHL deal is d-man Noah Beck. Teammates at ASU with Cruz Lucius, and the older brother of current Nailer Jack Beck. 6'3 210, nearly PPG this year, and isnt afraid to try put someone through the boards. He was drafted in 2020 by STL, but I dont see he was ever signed so I think hes an FA?

Late 7th round pick and a 5th year NCAA player. He's 23 playing against 18-22yo's so having a good year isn't that surprising. I'd be willing to take the chance and give him a slot in Wheeling.

 

[HandshakeLine]

Meh, give me someone who writes them.

The real money is in publishing.

 

[PensFutures]

Late 7th round pick and a 5th year NCAA player. He's 23 playing against 18-22yo's so having a good year isn't that surprising. I'd be willing to take the chance and give him a slot in Wheeling.

I definitely wouldnt use an NHL contract spot on him but would at least invite him to prospect camp. I think Jack could slot in to WBS if he sticks around, so if giving Noah a spot in Wheeling keeps him around im all for it.

 

[WickedWrister]

Ville Koivunen named AHL Rookie of the Month for January.

9+5 in 12 games including two hat tricks.

Fun fact, the Penguins last rookie of the month was Daniel Sprong in December of 2018.

 

[Andy99]

Ville Koivunen named AHL Rookie of the Month for January.

9+5 in 12 games including two hat tricks.

Fun fact, the Penguins last rookie of the month was Daniel Sprong in December of 2018.

In other words, Mike Sullivan won’t play him in positions conducive to his skills and so he’s not long for the big club lol…