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NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to NHL.com.

1. Brayden Yager, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 14 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Moose Jaw (WHL): 57 GP, 35-60-95

Yager, playing for Moose Jaw, has consistently improved over his past three seasons. The 19-year-old progressed from securing 59 points, comprising 34 goals and 25 assists, in 63 games during the 2021-22 season. In the following 2022-23 season, he improved to 78 points, made up of 28 goals and 50 assists, in 67 games. Last season, he reached his highest yet with 95 points.

The offensive potential that Yager (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) brings could be advantageous for Pittsburgh. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native expressed his desire to vie for a position at the training camp in September, but he’s still looking to bulk up to better compete in the NHL.

“Penguins assistant general manager, Jason Spezza, said he would never want to restrict a young player’s chance to join the team. He emphasized that the player has control over how they present themselves and how they play. He also noted that they had observed significant improvement in the player’s ability to handle tough matchups.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

2. Joel Blomqvist, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 52 pick in 2020 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 45 GP, 25-12-6, 2.16 GAA, .921 SV%

Blomqvist, aged 22, holds potential as Pittsburgh’s future goalie. His performance last season in the American Hockey League placed him third with a 2.16 goals-against average and fifth with a .921 save percentage, raising inquiries about the current goalie situation of the Penguins.

Tristan Jarry, the primary starter, is entering the second season of a five-year contract, and Alex Nedeljkovic signed a two-year contract June 20 to remain the backup. So there remains a roadblock for Blomqvist to reach the NHL.

However, if Blomqvist (6-2, 183) continues to make progress, he could be in Pittsburgh soon.

“What level of play does Joel bring and can he stand his ground in the AHL?” said General Manager Kyle Dubas. “This will give us a better understanding of how we should proceed with our goaltending strategy.”

Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Owen Pickering, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 21 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2023-24 season: Swift Current (WHL): 59 GP, 7-39-46

Pickering, similar to Yager, is a recent first-round pick with a set goal of joining the NHL straight from training camp. The 20-year-old stands a better chance than in his initial two seasons post-draft, during which injuries prevented him from taking part in the training camp.

If Pickering (6-3, 179) doesn’t make it to the NHL, he is anticipated to play a significant role with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, despite not scoring a point in eight games during the 2022-23 season.

“Clearly, I’m simply trying to increase my strength and explosiveness,” said Pickering. “I’ve gained some weight. Now, I just need to advance my game to the professional level.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Ville Koivunen, F

How acquired: Acquired in trade from the Carolina Hurricanes on March 7

2023-24 season: Karpat (Liiga): 59 GP, 22-34-56

Koivunen (5-foot-11, 161) was a primary piece of the return in the trade that sent forward Jake Guentzel to Carolina. He has high hockey sense that has made up for skating that has yet to fully develop.

This season, the 21-year-old may play a key part at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as he continues to adjust to North America. After participating in 12 matches with the American Hockey League’s Chicago team in the 2022-23 season, he spent the previous season in the premier professional league in his home country, Finland.

“Spezza stated, “The rink in the American League and the NHL closes quicker than in Finland. Therefore, we’ll assist him with that transition.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Vasily Ponomarev, F

How acquired: Acquired in trade from Carolina on March 7

2023-24 season: Carolina (NHL): 2 GP, 1-1-2; Chicago (AHL): 39 GP, 8-21-29; Tucson (AHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 4 GP, 1-0-1

As part of Guentzel’s return, Ponomarev scored a goal and provided an assist for the Hurricanes in his NHL debut against the Washington Capitals on January 5, resulting in a 6-2 victory. However, the promising season for the 22-year-old was disrupted due to a high ankle sprain he suffered in late March while playing with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Due to an injury, Ponomarev (5-10, 180) has had restricted offseason training, but he could still potentially play for the Penguins this season.

“Dubas expressed regret, noting that it’s unfortunate he sustained a severe injury after playing well since his arrival. He emphasized that meticulous care will be required for his recovery,”

Projected NHL arrival: This season