The Penguins have inked goaltender Gabriel D’Aigle to a three-year entry-level contract, set to kick off next season and run through 2028-29. While the financial details remain under wraps, what's clear is that D’Aigle is staying put for now, as he continues his junior season with the QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres, who are gearing up for playoff action.
At 19, D’Aigle is likely wrapping up his junior career with Victoriaville, though he could return as an overage player-a rare move. More likely, he’ll jump into the Penguins’ system next season, probably starting in the ECHL.
Drafted in the third round in 2025, Pittsburgh had until next summer to sign him but decided to seal the deal early. Thanks to his November birthday, D’Aigle has had an extra season of CHL experience, making him eligible to turn pro as an age-20 player without restrictions.
Standing tall at 6’4” and weighing in at 212 lbs, D’Aigle was once considered a top goaltending prospect in his draft class. He even made Canada’s under-18 World Juniors roster as a double-underager in 2023, playing alongside future NHL talents like Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Wood.
However, his performance dipped in the following seasons. The QMJHL isn't exactly a goalie-friendly league, and his numbers reflected that.
In 2023-24, he posted a .879 save percentage, followed by a .883 save percentage and a 4.52 GAA last season with Victoriaville.
Despite these challenges, the Penguins saw potential in D’Aigle’s technical skills, selecting him as the eighth goalie in last year’s draft. This season, he’s shown improvement, notching a .908 save percentage and a 3.58 GAA in 39 games, despite playing for a struggling Victoriaville team. His save percentage ranks eighth in the league for goalies with at least 30 games played.
In Pittsburgh’s goaltending hierarchy, D’Aigle is currently the third prospect behind Sergey Murashov and Joel Blomqvist. Even if Murashov steps up to the NHL next season, it's uncommon to fast-track a goalie from juniors directly to the AHL unless they’re a top-tier draft pick.
Typically, a year in the ECHL helps young goalies adjust to the pro level, much like the Red Wings did with Sebastian Cossa. As things stand, D’Aigle is expected to start next season no higher than fifth on the Penguins’ depth chart.