With the 2026 World Junior Championship in the books, the spotlight shifts back to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ prospect pool - and there’s plenty to talk about. Two of their young talents, Will Horcoff and Harrison Brunicke, held their own on the international stage, but now it’s back to business with their respective teams. As the calendar moves deeper into the 2025-26 season, Pittsburgh’s front office - led by GM Kyle Dubas - is keeping a close eye on the progress of a farm system that’s quietly stacking up some intriguing depth.
Bill Zonnon: Back Healthy and Making Noise
Let’s start with Bill Zonnon, one of Pittsburgh’s 2025 first-round picks. His season didn’t exactly begin the way he - or the Penguins - would’ve hoped. Two separate injuries sidelined him early, and after an offseason trade from Rouyn-Noranda to Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL, he managed just two games before another setback knocked him out for nearly two months.
But since returning to the lineup on December 28, Zonnon has looked every bit the high-end prospect Pittsburgh believed they were getting at 22nd overall. He’s currently riding a five-game multi-point streak, racking up 11 points over that stretch, and doing it with the kind of two-way dominance that turns heads.
What’s stood out isn’t just the production - it’s how he’s doing it. Zonnon’s playing with an edge in the defensive zone, showing a willingness to get physical and battle for pucks.
Then, in transition, he’s flipping the switch with speed and offensive instincts that make him a nightmare to contain. He’s also flashing a dangerous shot, adding another layer to his already well-rounded game.
If he can stay healthy - and that’s a big “if” given the way this season started - Zonnon could be one of the more intriguing names to watch at Penguins training camp next fall. He’s starting to look like a player who could push for a roster spot sooner than later.
Sergei Murashov: A Little Bit of Everything in the AHL
Goaltending prospects often take the scenic route to the NHL, and Sergei Murashov’s season has been a perfect example of that. Since returning to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL, the young Russian netminder has had his share of ups and downs.
There have been a few rough nights - three games since mid-December where he gave up four or more goals, including back-to-back outings where he was pulled after allowing five. But outside of those hiccups, Murashov has been solid, if not quietly excellent, for one of the AHL’s top squads.
His overall numbers tell the story: a 15-5-0 record, a 2.18 goals-against average, and a .922 save percentage. That’s the kind of stat line that keeps you in the conversation for a future NHL role, especially with Stuart Skinner - acquired earlier this season - set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
With Joel Blomqvist also in the mix, the Penguins have a pair of young goalies developing in the AHL who could be ready to take the next step. If Murashov can find more consistency down the stretch, he’ll make a strong case to be part of the NHL picture as early as next season.
Emil Pieniniemi: Getting His Pro Career on Track
It’s been a winding road for Emil Pieniniemi, but the Penguins’ 2023 third-round pick is finally starting to settle into the pro game. After being suspended by the organization for not reporting to the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, Pieniniemi made his debut just before the end of 2025 - and he’s been trending in the right direction ever since.
Through his first 10 games with Wheeling, he’s posted four points (two goals, two assists) and, more importantly, shown signs that he’s adjusting to the pace and physicality of pro hockey. He’s not shy about jumping into the play, registering multiple shots in half of his games so far, and his offensive instincts - which helped him put up 60 points with the Kingston Frontenacs last season - are starting to translate.
Defensively, Pieniniemi’s long reach has been an asset, helping him disrupt plays and close gaps effectively. If he continues to build confidence and polish his game in Wheeling, there’s a real chance he earns a call-up to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before the season ends. That would be a big step forward for a player who’s had to overcome a rocky start to his pro career.
Depth That’s Starting to Show
While Zonnon, Murashov, and Pieniniemi are three of the more notable names making waves, they’re far from the only ones. The Penguins’ pipeline is showing signs of life across the board, and that’s a welcome development for a franchise looking to retool without bottoming out.
With Dubas and his staff continuing to invest in player development, the organization is starting to see returns - not just in highlight-reel plays or stat sheets, but in the kind of growth that sets the foundation for future success.
It’s still early, but if these prospects keep trending upward, the Penguins could be looking at a new wave of talent ready to make an impact in the not-so-distant future.