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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Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

8. Linus Olund, C [21] (5-155, 2017)

Stats (Brynas IF, SHL): 51 gp, 8 g, 15 a, 23 p, 1 PPG, .45 pts/g (8 pgp, 2 g, 3 a, 5 p, 1 PPG, .63 pts/g).

Linus Olund is a good forward, someone who can play defense and support the offense. He was tied for 69th in scoring in the SHL last season at just 20. He was even better in the playoffs, which is great news for his NHL potential and probability. He’s not entirely NHL ready, but that’s what the AHL is for. If he can put up impressive numbers there while continuing to build on his game in the defensive zone, he could be a potential fourth liner for the future of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

he’s shown that he’s worthy of a spot in the Penguins’ organization, and if he works, he can find his way to the NHL

He’s not that good on the power play, and most of his work is done at even strength. Those are good signifiers of a fourth liner, but a fourth liner with better scoring prowess than most.

So why is he better than Bjorkqvist, who has (arguably) better potential? Because Olund has better NHL probability and is already in the AHL, something Bjorkqvist is not. If they were both forced into the NHL right now, Olund would likely outperform Bjorkqvist, and thus, has better NHL readiness. Finally, he’s more likely to play consistent minutes with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the near future.

That’s why Olund is higher on this list. He still has decent potential, though it’s not as high, and with zero points in the first three games of the AHL season, Olund isn’t exactly inspiring confidence. Still, he’s shown that he’s worthy of a spot in the Penguins’ organization, and if he works, he can find his way to the NHL, even in a bottom line role.

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