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Pittsburgh Penguins 2021 prospect update shows limited NHL impact

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 7, 2026, 10:00 AM

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

Pittsburgh Penguins 2021 prospect update shows limited NHL impact

Summary

A retrospective on the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2021 Top 25 Under 25 reveals limited success in developing young talent. The organization, which struggled with only one first-round pick from 2016 to 2021, produced just three NHL players from that prospect group. Current performances show players like Santeri Airola excelling in Finland, while others like Jan Drozg and Will Reilly have transitioned to leagues outside the NHL, including the KHL and Austrian leagues. The overview highlights a struggle in player development that continues to affect the team’s future prospects.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Pittsburgh ranked 29th in prospect rankings in 2021 and 2022.
•Only three players from the 2021 prospect pool are currently in the NHL.
•Santeri Airola had a strong season in Finland with SaiPa Lappeenranta.
•Jan Drozg has moved through the KHL and now plays in Austria.
•Pittsburgh’s lack of first-round picks highlights investment in immediate success.

Latest Updates

10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Where are they now? Pensburgh 2021 Top 25 Under 25 update

What they're saying

"
Let’s jump back in time to the 2021 prospect pool for the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was not a very good time for the youth in the organization, considering that the Pens only made one first round pick from 2016-21 during their period of maximizing the contending window in those days. Part of the price for […]
— Yahoo Sports

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