Pittsburgh Penguins: Top 10 Prospects 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 07: Pittsburgh Penguins Right Wing Daniel Sprong (41) forechecks during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins on January 7, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Bruins 6-5 in overtime. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Kasper Björkqvist #20 of the Providence College Friars (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /

9. Kasper Bjorkqvist, RW [21] (2-61, 2016)

Stats (Providence College, NCAA): 40 gp, 16 g, 7 a, 23 p, 5 PPG, 4 GWG, .58 pts/g.

Kasper Bjorkqvist isn’t a young prospect anymore. He’s 21 and has played in the NCAA the last two years. He’s been put back there for his junior year, and could likely even head back for his senior campaign. But he’s proven to be a notable goal scorer, someone who can score goals on the power play and at even strength. If he’s able to put up better numbers this year, he could have third-line goal scoring potential in the NHL.

he’s proven to be a notable goal scorer, someone who can score goals on the power play and at even strength

Five power play goals and four game-winners are a good sophomore year. The Pittsburgh Penguins likely wish Bjorkqvist had more playmaking ability and was a more well-rounded prospect, but goals are goals, and if he can continue to score them that’s valuable. He was tied for 43rd in the NCAA as a sophomore, and there’s reason to believe he’ll go up from there.

It’s questionable whether he’s got a high NHL ceiling or a high probability of playing there. But the potential is there, and his ceiling is still a good player.

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