Penguin Prospect Update: Early December 2025
The Penguins have a diverse group of prospects scattered across various leagues. This update highlights the top stories and key insights surrounding the organization's next wave of young talent.
Horcoff's Rising Star Status
Will Horcoff is dominating the NCAA, showcasing an impressive scoring prowess. His four-goal, five-point weekend against Harvard catapulted him to the top of the scoring list in the NCAA, attracting attention from the world's most prominent hockey podcast.
Horcoff's game is characterized by simplicity and effectiveness. He excels at positioning himself in front of the net, possessing exceptional hand-eye coordination and a subtle touch, making him a lethal goal-scorer. This season, he has accumulated 18 goals and 26 points in 18 games, a remarkable achievement. As a result, Horcoff has earned a spot on Team USA's preliminary roster for the upcoming World Junior Championships, with projections placing him on the second line.
If Ben Kindel, a top-10 draft pick, hadn't set a high bar for players outside the top 10, Horcoff's rapid development might be the organization's top story. While there's still a long way to go, Horcoff's trajectory suggests he could sign with the Penguins at the end of Michigan's season and potentially make his NHL debut later this year. This prospect's success could fuel discussions about fast-tracking another forward into the NHL.
Ryan Miller's Consistent Performance
Ryan Miller, a fifth-round pick in 2025, has been on a remarkable 19-game point streak in the WHL. His performance extends beyond just point accumulation, as Jesse Marshall provides a detailed video analysis of Miller's exceptional play.
While other recent mid/late-round picks like Jordan Charron and Kale Dach have shown promise in juniors, Miller has been the standout story for the Pens' Canadian junior prospects. With Ben Kindel expected to remain in the NHL in 2026-27, there are intriguing possibilities for Miller. The Penguins have several options, including Bill Zonnon, Peyton Kettles, Charron, Dach, and Quinn Beauchesne, but Miller's consistent performance positions him as a strong contender for an early promotion to the AHL.
Lucius' Strong Performance in Arizona
The 21-year-old senior, acquired in the Jake Guentzel trade, is having a stellar season for Arizona State. Lucius leads the team in goals with 10 and ranks second in points. His outstanding performance, as demonstrated by this overtime goal, further strengthens his case for a potential signing by the Penguins this spring.
Fernstrom's Struggles and Potential Turnaround
Melvin Fernstrom, a SHL rookie of the year last year, has had a challenging season, with only 2 goals and 0 assists in 24 games. However, he scored for Sweden in a 5-1 loss to Finland, a World Junior Championship warm-up game. It's hoped that Fernstrom can use the World Juniors to regain confidence and showcase his skills after a difficult season.
Plante's Assist-Leading Performance
Zam Plante, a 21-year-old sophomore and a 5th-round pick from 2022, is leading the NCAA in assists with 17 in 16 games for Minnesota-Duluth. His success is partly attributed to playing with his brother, Max, a second-round pick of Detroit in 2024. Despite being an older collegiate player, Plante's playmaking abilities are evident, and his strong season is likely to boost his stock and attract professional interest.
