Pittsburgh Penguins: Top 10 prospects entering 2019

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 21: Samuel Poulin poses for a photo onstage after being selected twenty-one overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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9. Kasper Björkqvist

Acquired: 2016 second-round pick

Age: 22

Position: Right Wing/Left Wing

Stats: 42 games, 17 goals,13 assists, 30 points (Providence College, NCAA)

It took Kasper Björkqvist a bit to show his potential, but he finally did last season. He finished fourth on the team in points and earned himself an entry-level deal, which he signed in May. Björkqvist will likely be heading to either the ECHL or AHL.

He has what it takes to be a decent depth forward. Björkqvist is an energetic player who can be tenacious when pursuing the puck. However, I still haven’t seen much out of him with the puck that would make me suggest he’s got the tools to stick in the NHL full-time.

Björkqvist, does, however, have his penalty killing. I really like him there. If deployed properly on an aggressive penalty kill, he could do some damage with his skating and tenacity. This makes me think Björkqvist could fit on the Penguins fourth line, but that’s going to be his ceiling.

I’m not a big fan of “character”, but it’s worth noting that he was his team captain back in college. Björkqvist has always been a good two-way forward. The Penguins are hoping his offensive uptick last season is a sign of things to come.

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