While Avery Hayes has been grabbing headlines lately, he’s not the only Penguins prospect making waves. Kale Dach, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft, is quietly putting together a standout campaign with the Calgary Hitmen - and the WHL is taking notice.
Dach was just named the WHL’s Rookie of the Week after a four-game stretch where he tallied six points - four goals and two assists. It’s the second time he’s earned that weekly honor this season, and it comes on the heels of being named the league’s Rookie of the Month for December, when he piled up 14 points in just nine games. That December run included eight goals, six assists, and three game-winners - a clutch performance for any player, let alone a first-year forward.
Originally, the Penguins had hoped Dach would spend this season developing alongside Ben Kindel, his former teammate, in Calgary. That plan shifted when Kindel made the jump to the NHL sooner than expected.
But even without his projected linemate, Dach hasn’t missed a beat. Through 45 games, he’s racked up 58 points - 27 goals and 31 assists - and continues to show the kind of offensive instincts and consistency that make late-round draft picks look like steals.
At just 18 years old, Dach’s trajectory is pointing up. He’s already committed to play NCAA hockey at Penn State next season - a move that should give him more time to round out his game against older, stronger competition while staying in the Penguins’ long-term development pipeline.
Meanwhile, Avery Hayes is making sure his name stays in the conversation. Just five days after scoring twice in his NHL debut, the 23-year-old forward was named the AHL’s Player of the Week.
He earned the honor in style, capping off his week with an overtime hat trick for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. That kind of follow-up performance speaks volumes - not just about his skill, but his ability to rise to the moment.
Hayes was one of the first signings made under Kyle Dubas’ leadership back in June 2023, and he’s been delivering ever since. In 32 AHL games this season, Hayes has notched 26 points - 16 goals and 10 assists - and continues to play with the kind of energy and finish that gets noticed at the next level.
With the AHL also on pause for the All-Star break, Hayes and the rest of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton squad are getting a brief breather before returning to action on February 14. In the meantime, Sergei Murashov and Tristan Broz are representing the Penguins organization at the AHL All-Star festivities in Rockford, Illinois.
Between Dach lighting it up in juniors and Hayes making the most of every opportunity in the pros, it’s clear the Penguins’ prospect pipeline is humming. And if these performances are any indication, the future in Pittsburgh is shaping up to be a whole lot of fun.