Pittsburgh Penguins’ Top 25 Under 25: Graduates and Departures in Focus

Each summer, we delve into the top young talents within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization through our Top 25 Under 25 feature. This list serves as a snapshot of player value at this moment, balancing the potential of recently drafted teenagers against older prospects who may offer limited ceilings but possess short-term NHL contributions.

The Penguins’ system is still in the early stages of rejuvenation, yet significant strides have been made to enhance its talent pool. In the past, the franchise often sacrificed high draft picks for immediate NHL help, as seen with the trade of their 2024 first-round pick. Recently, however, general manager Kyle Dubas has shifted gears, accumulating an impressive array of future picks as the team transitions into a more developmental phase, focusing on rebuilding the organization’s foundation with youth.

Despite this progress, some players have exited the fold, and today we examine those who will not appear on this year’s T25U25 list. Reasons for their departure include aging out of eligibility, trades, or choosing not to sign with Pittsburgh.

One notable name is Chaz Lucius, who remains on the Penguins’ reserve list until August 15. The 22-year-old forward has expressed his intention to enter free agency, opting to begin his professional career elsewhere. This decision comes after a standout college season at Arizona State, where he tallied 46 points in 36 games. While Lucius showed promise as a skilled forward, his departure is not seen as a dealbreaker for the Penguins, who understood his readiness to turn pro was not aligned with their timeline.

The saga of Sam Poulin, a former first-round pick from 2019, concluded quietly. Poulin was included as a part of a larger trade that sent Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak to Pittsburgh. He played two games for the Penguins in the 2025-26 season, accumulating minimal ice time and statistics, but shone in the AHL with 20 points in 22 games. Unfortunately, injuries and the challenges posed by the pandemic during crucial development years hindered his progression. Ultimately, he signed a two-way contract with Montreal for 2026-27 after not appearing in any NHL games for Edmonton.

Another player to depart is Joni Pieniniemi, who was a third-round pick by Dubas in 2023. His time with the organization ended with a trade in the summer of 2026. Pieniniemi’s early season disagreement over his development path led to a suspension and an eventual return to the ECHL, where he played a total of 41 games. The Penguins opted to trade him for a 26-year-old forward, indicating their willingness to move on from a player whose trajectory did not align with their plans.

Goaltender Arturs Silovs, who turned 25 in March, has aged out of T25U25 consideration. His transition to established NHL status aligns well with his recent signing of a one-year, $2.8 million contract, marking a significant achievement for a player who developed primarily in Vancouver’s system before becoming a valuable asset for Pittsburgh.

Lastly, the Penguins traded former first-round pick Philip Tomasino to Philadelphia after he struggled to maintain a consistent NHL presence. Tomasino produced 23 points in 50 games during his first season with Pittsburgh but was unable to secure a regular spot in the lineup. His departure, alongside a two-way contract signed with Ottawa for 2026-27, reflects the team’s desire to streamline their roster.

Overall, the Pittsburgh system has seen a net gain in under-25 talent over the past year, bringing in players like Hendrix Lapierre and Jake Livanavage, along with a slew of 2026 draft picks. While the departures of older prospects like Poulin and Tomasino are noted, they do not overshadow the influx of fresh talent. The Penguins are poised for a brighter future as they continue to prioritize youth development.

As the Penguins work to cultivate young players, the process may be slow, but the organization’s health and improvement in talent acquisition are evident. Pittsburgh is laying the groundwork for future contributions from their young players, setting the stage for potential success in the years to come.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.