Penguins News Brief: Team Signs Pair of Draft Picks

A couple of the Pittsburgh Penguins draft picks are now under contract. Both contracts begin next season.

Monday, the team signed 2021 seventh-rounder Daniel Laatsch to a two-year entry-level deal. Laatsch. 23, plays for the University of Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA).

The 6-foot-5, 182-pound defenseman has two goals, three assists and five points in 22 games this season. Laatsch has played 126 games in his collegiate career, scoring six goals, 20 assists, and 26 points.

Sunday, the team signed Michigan Tech defenseman Chase Pietila, 21, to a three-year entry-level contract. Pietila, 21, was the Penguins’ fourth-round pick in 2024.

In 36 games this season, the 6-foot-2, 187-pound defenseman posted a career-high seven goals with 22 points (7-15-22). He averaged 26:37 of ice time, which ranked third in the NCAA.