Penguins Camp: Dubas Opens Door for Prospects; Murashov Future Unclear

CRANBERRY, Twp. — The Pittsburgh Penguins might have a Russian goalie on the organizational depth chart this season. Or they might not.

In a surprise move, the team was able to get 2022 fourth-round pick Sergei Murashov to travel from Russia for the five-day Penguins Development Camp. Murashov, a goalie, was a late addition to camp—announced just one day prior. Unfortunately for fans, he has been shrouded behind the Russian wall for a couple of seasons, and even video has been difficult to find.

Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza seemed genuinely excited to get the player to camp, but Murashov’s immediate future is still cloudy.

“It’s a little bit to be determined,” Spezza said. “Things are a little bit more complicated when it comes to the Russian players and determining their eligibility and where they are (in their development). But Sergei is a guy we’d like to have him over (in North America) if it works out.”

It has not been easy to get Russian players to North America, especially during the Ukraine invasion. The subsequent geopolitical nightmare has both prevented Russia from participating in International competitions and made travel more difficult.

However, we know a couple of things about Murashov. First, he’s grown two inches from 6-foot to 6-foot-2 since being drafted. Second, he’s put up strong numbers both in the KHL and the Russian junior league, the MHL. In four KHL games, Murashov had a .925 save percentage.

We also know the Penguins want him in the organization sooner than later and it seems they went to great lengths to get him here.

“(If he doesn’t come to North America this season), we’ll put him on the right development path over in Russia … it’s important to get him in person, for him to be around Pittsburgh, to be with our goalie coaches, just kind of see how things are here,” said Spezza. “Whether it’s this year or in future years, it just creates that familiarity for him. It’s great that he was able to make it (to Pittsburgh), and even though it was last minute, we did everything we could to get him over here.”

Penguins’ Door Open

Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas addressed the nearly 50 prospects before camp. His message addressed the organization’s emerging transitional era and was clear: The organization wants the prospects to make an impact.

And if they do, there will be opportunities at the highest level.

“Kyle Dubas met with us as a whole before camp, and he told us they were looking for players to come in and make an impact,” Yager said.

Yager is front and center for the Penguins’ youth movement. As the 2023 14th overall pick, the Penguins haven’t selected a player that high in the draft since Derrick Pouliot in 2012.

The organization has also put a lot of effort into their top picks. 2022 first-round pick Owen Pickering (21st overall) and 2021 second-round pick (but first Penguins pick) Tristan Broz all have one thing in common.

They’ve gained weight. Pickering reported he’s up 14 pounds to 200. Broz admitted he’s a lot heavier since his draft day three years ago.

“Just looking back at where I was as an 18-year-old, I feel pretty mature coming (into camp) now,” Broz said. “I’ve grown a lot. I’ve matured a lot, put on 30 pounds, just growing into my body.”

Pickering and Broz are turning pro. Pickering, after a few years with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL, and Broz, after a collegiate career that concluded with Denver’s 2024 National Championship, will turn in their amateur status for a shot at the NHL and professional hockey.

Read More: Penguins Prospects, Scouting Blomqvist and Broz, and How Close to Ready (+)

Broz, 21, played in the two playoff games for the WBS Penguins and acquitted himself well. Pickering didn’t get a chance to play in any games this season but played several in 2022-23. Things didn’t go very well, but that was a different player, a smaller player.

While the prospects may not make an NHL impact this season, Dubas has issued the invitation and rolled out the welcome mat for when they’re ready.