Between injuries and inconsistency, the 2024-25 season proved to be quite the roller coaster for Pittsburgh Penguins' goaltending prospect, Joel Blomqvist. In a year where unexpected turns were the norm, Blomqvist's journey was marked by resilience and promise.
The season kicked off with an unexpected opportunity for the young goaltender. When Alex Nedeljkovic went down with an injury during training camp, Blomqvist was thrust into the spotlight, securing a spot on the NHL roster for opening night.
And he made the most of it, delivering some solid performances and posting a respectable .903 save percentage over nine appearances. Of course, like any rookie, he had his bumps along the way, including one forgettable outing against the Dallas Stars on November 11.
After this initial stint, Blomqvist returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Penguins' AHL affiliate, but was called back to the NHL when Tristan Jarry was waived on January 15. This time, the going got tough for Blomqvist, and after a challenging period, he found himself sidelined with a lower-body injury, missing the rest of his AHL regular-season games until the Calder Cup playoffs.
So, what’s next for Blomqvist as we head into the new season? With Nedeljkovic and Jarry still holding contracts for 2025-26, the road back to the NHL roster won’t be a smooth one.
Yet, despite the ups and downs, Blomqvist is brimming with confidence. "I feel pretty good," he shared after a tight 6-5 overtime game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 2.
"I'm learning from each game and feeling more confident each time. So, I'll just keep building on that."
Drafted as the 52nd overall pick in the second round back in 2020, Blomqvist, now 23, has shown flashes of potential. He ended the NHL season with an .885 save percentage, while his AHL numbers stood at .914. But with a crowded goalkeeping department and promising prospects like Sergei Murashov, Filip Larsson, and Taylor Gauthier making their case, the upcoming season might just be pivotal for him.
Penguins General Manager and President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas, has been vocal about the franchise's intention to lean into a youth movement. This strategic shift is likely to include changes in the goaltending lineup as the Penguins seek fresh talent to carry the torch. Blomqvist, with his promising yet unfinished canvas, figures right into this blueprint.
The path for Blomqvist to start the new season in the NHL may require some shuffling in the Penguins' lineup, possibly moving one of the veteran goalies. Given the team’s current trajectory and rebuilding efforts, making space for Blomqvist could be a gamble worth taking.
Looking ahead, Blomqvist is set to be given a chance to prove himself next season. Whether he claims the title of 'the guy' or becomes a vital part of a dynamic duo for Pittsburgh, the chance to shine seems well within reach for this Finnish netminder as the Penguins look towards a fresh chapter.
