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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7. Sam Miletic

Acquired: Undrafted

Age: 22

Position: Left wing

Stats: 49 games, 12 goals, 23 assists, 35 points (Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, AHL)

Sam Miletic had a terrific first season in the AHL. He was one of the Penguins leading scorers in the AHL, placing sixth on the team in points. Furthermore, Miletic ranked among the top skaters on the team as far as points per game.

I’m not sold he’s an NHL player, though. Miletic’s skating is very underwhelming. However, he has enough skill to get by despite his bad skating. Furthermore, Miletic has a high hockey IQ. His offensive awareness allows him to create space and see things before they develop.

He also has to work on being more consistent. For example, Miletic had six points in his first six games. He proceeded to be held off the score sheet in his next seven games. Miletic wasn’t that noticeable when he wasn’t scoring. He’s going to have to improve his two-way play in order to find ways to contribute when he’s not on the score sheet.

Also, Miletic isn’t a physical player. So he’s going to have to work around that. On paper, Miletic had a great first season in the AHL. But once you dig deeper, there are still some concerns. That said, I think he’s the Penguins most NHL-ready forward prospect. His ceiling is low, though.

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