Potential NHL Debuts for the Penguins in 2026-27: Who’s in the Mix?

As the Pittsburgh Penguins gear up for the 2026-27 season, the spotlight turns to the players who might make their NHL debuts this year. Last season, the Penguins saw all four players we highlighted as potential debutees for 2025-26 take the ice for their first game, including the impressive Ben Kindel. Along with Jake Livanavage and Sergei Murashov, six players experienced the thrill of rookie laps, although goalie Taylor Gauthier remained on the bench, serving as backup without playing.

This season, however, the pool of candidates for NHL debuts appears limited. The Ruck twins aren’t projected to make the significant leap from the WHL to the NHL that Kindel did. With Murashov and Harrison Brunicke already having logged time in the big league, the Penguins face a reload year regarding new talent needing some developmental time.

Nevertheless, a few intriguing options are on the horizon. One standout is the Penguins’ 2025 first-round pick, who made headlines by scoring in each of his first three professional games during the AHL playoffs last spring. Zonnon, who turns 20 in October, is expected to spend most, if not all, of the upcoming season with Wilkes. With the addition of David Gustafsson, who is set to fill a versatile role, and Tristan Broz still in the mix, Zonnon would need a perfect storm of injuries and stellar performance to find his way to the NHL roster this year. However, with an 84-game schedule ahead, it’s not out of the question to see him make his NHL debut sooner rather than later if he continues his upward trajectory.

Next up is a player that may raise some eyebrows: the recently acquired 26-year-old forward, Okuliar. During his only season in the AHL in 2024-25, he posted an impressive 41 points in 69 games with Charlotte, followed by a strong showing in Sweden where he tallied 29 points in 41 games with Skelleftea. Additionally, he found the back of the net for Slovakia during the 2026 Olympics. Okuliar is known for his physical play and hard forechecking, and while he may not possess elite skating or skill, it’s conceivable he could step in for a few games on the Penguins’ fourth line when injuries strike. Despite the depth of forwards currently on the roster, the Penguins have previously seen seven forwards play in NHL games who began their seasons with AHL Wilkes-Barre.

While Ilyin appears more likely to debut in the 2027-28 season, the 21-year-old Russian winger boasts too much talent to overlook. Known for his exceptional playmaking skills, he ranks among the most productive teenage players in KHL history. Ilyin demonstrated his potential in the AHL playoffs, contributing nine points in 15 games. Although he may need time to adjust to the North American style, the Penguins have a history of giving AHL players a shot at the NHL, and it’s plausible that Ilyin could earn an opportunity during the 2026-27 campaign if he excels in the AHL.

Beyond these names, the list of potential debutees thins considerably. Players like Chase Pietila and Finn Harding are considered extreme longshots due to the depth at their position. Similarly, Gauthier would need an unusual scenario involving multiple injuries among goalies to make his NHL appearance this year. While some might speculate about Tanner Howe or Melvin Fernstrom, their chances seem slim based on their current development.

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