Penguins consider potential NHL debuts for six players in 2026-27
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 10:00 AM
Last updated Jul 26, 2026
The Pittsburgh Penguins are evaluating a group of six players who could make their NHL debuts during the 2026-27 season. Notable prospects include Bill Zonnon, who made a mark in the AHL playoffs, and Oliver Okuliar, a 26-year-old forward with prior AHL and Olympic experience. The team faces challenges with depth at forward, limiting immediate opportunities. Coach management suggests that while Zonnon and others may be on the radar, realistic expectations should be set for 2026-27. Younger players like Mikhail Ilyin exhibit promise but may need more time to adapt to the NHL style.
- •Bill Zonnon scored in his first AHL playoff games
- •Oliver Okuliar has prior AHL and Olympic experience
- •Mikhail Ilyin shows potential but may debut later
- •Penguins used seven AHL forwards in the NHL last season
- •Team depth may limit immediate opportunities for new players
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Who could make their NHL debuts for the Penguins in 2026-27?
"Last season all four players we spotlighted as potential NHL debutees for 2025-26 ended up making their debut (gotta give some props for the Ben Kindel inclusion). Add in Jake Livanavage and Sergei Murashov and six players took rookie laps ahead of their first game last year, not counting goalie Taylor Gauthier who sat on […]
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