Penguins' Prospects Shine in AHL and WHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins' prospects are making waves in the hockey world, with Avery Hayes and Kale Dach leading the charge. Hayes, a forward, made history by scoring two goals in his NHL debut, and just five days later, he was named the AHL's Player of the Week. This achievement came after he completed an AHL hat trick in overtime, showcasing his exceptional skills. Hayes' performance was a testament to his talent, and he has continued to shine with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season, accumulating 26 points (16 goals, 10 assists) in 32 games.
Dach, a forward and the Penguins' seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft, is also making his mark. He was named the WHL's Rookie of the Week and the December Rookie of the Month, racking up six points (four goals, two assists) in four games. This is not his first time winning these honors; Dach has proven his prowess, scoring 14 points (eight goals, six assists) with three game-winning tallies in nine games. His former teammate, Ben Kindel, also earned WHL weekly rookie honors during his first season in the league in 2023-24, but Dach's success continues to shine.
The Penguins' VP of Player Personnel, Wes Clark, revealed that the original plan was for Dach to play alongside Kindel for a season with the Hitmen. However, Kindel's early jump to the NHL didn't deter Dach's progress. He has accumulated 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists) in 45 games this WHL season, showcasing his exceptional skills and potential. Dach, who turned 18 in February, is set to join Penn State in the NCAA next year, further solidifying his future in the sport.
The Penguins' prospects are not the only ones making waves. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pens action is paused until February 14 for the AHL All-Star Game, where Sergei Murashov and Tristan Broz will represent the Penguins. These prospects are undoubtedly shaping the future of the Penguins organization, and their success in various leagues is a testament to their talent and hard work.
