Penguins Prospects: Scouting Blomqvist, Broz; How Close to Ready (+)

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — A video-reviewed goal, plenty of scuffles and cross-checks behind the play and a tight hockey game—exactly what you’d expect from players hoping to become Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins had a slightly different and probably tougher task Wednesday in Game 1 of their Opening Round series against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers’ AHL affiliate. The Penguins are using the extra hockey season to introduce a long list of prospects to the professional game, including recent NCAA national champion Tristan Broz, who made his pro hockey debut Wednesday.

Broz made himself known, though a few facets of the pro game also humbled him.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now is spending the week following the WBS Penguins for those few prospects, and one who could figure prominently into the Pittsburgh Penguins plans beginning next season.

Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas put the opportunity on a silver platter for goalie Joel Blomqvist. If the WBS Penguins goalie asserts himself in the AHL playoffs, the door will be wide open for an NHL roster spot next fall.

Dubas told Penguins goalie Alex Nedeljkovic that fact on breakup day. Dubas told the assembled media the same the following day.

For his part, Blomqvist, 21, had not heard the comments when PHN asked on Tuesday and didn’t care much about anything outside his preparation bubble for Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

Hey, he’s a goalie.

In addition to getting another good look at Blomqvist, we also wanted a good look at Broz, the Penguins’ 2021 second-round pick (58th overall), and recently acquired Ville Koivunen. Both were in the lineup.

WBS started well, but things took a little left turn later in the first period.

We’ve made the trip to Wilkes-Barre to cover the prospects in person. Join PHN+ for the full scouting report of Blomqvist and the other prospects below. No YouTube scouting here. Use code Dan10 to save $10 on the annual subscription.