Recent draftee Bill Zonnon (1st round in 2025, 22nd overall) has the swagger & work ethic to become an excellent player for Pittsburgh. What’s more, one day he may have the opportunity to suit up with fellow Montreal native Kris Letang. On the other end of the spectrum for recent Penguins prospects is 7th round choice Quinn Beauchesne, an offensively-skilled D-man who fell to the Pens late although ranked as a potential third rounder in many pre-draft rankings.
Another 7th rounder is shining out west in Vancouver D-man prospect Kirill Kudryavtsev. Initially a depth defenseman, within the span of one season the 201st pick in 2022 is a power-play QB for Abbottsford. Additionally, the 21 year old already has two NHL games under his belt.
In Boston, GM Don Sweeney has done an excellent job of quickly rebuilding the Bruins’ prospect pool. Attached is a listing of the top 10 prospects in Boston’s system, led by 2025 draftee James Hagens (1st round, 7th overall). Also, I have to believe number 2 prospect Fraser Minten has an excellent chance to grab an opening night spot on Boston’s roster.
Last but definitely not least is the 8 year, $45 million contract awarded to forward Jackson Blake by Carolina. Not highly regarded when joining the pro ranks despite his productivity at the University of North Dakota, the 2021 fourth rounder is now a key piece in the Hurricanes offense-first philosophy. Blake’s new contract will commence in 2026-27, upon the expiration of his entry-level deal.
https://www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-prospect-bill-zonnon-has-confidence-to-land-roster-spot
https://www.pensburgh.com/2025/7/26/24474352/pensburgh-top-25-under-25-no-25-quinn-beauchesne
https://canucksarmy.com/news/cas-top-20-canucks-summer-prospect-rankings-5-kirill-kudryavtsev
https://www.nhl.com/news/jackson-blake-signs-8-year-contract-with-carolina-hurricanes