Penguins Split Ruck Twins to Boost Development at Prospect Camp

The Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off their annual prospect development camp with a strategic move that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike: they separated the Ruck twins, Liam and Markus. This decision, made by the team’s director of player development, Tom Kostopoulos, aims to allow the highly touted WHL linemates to skate with new teammates and further their individual growth.

Markus Ruck expressed the importance of this separation, stating, “It’s very important for us to play apart. I think it’s good for us. I think we play better together, when we’re working off one another, but it’s for sure important to play off one another, too.” Last season, the twins dominated the WHL scoring charts with Markus netting 21 goals and 87 assists, while Liam showcased his scoring prowess with 45 goals and 59 assists, both for the Medicine Hat Tigers.

During a media session, Liam highlighted the contrasting styles of play between the two siblings: “He’s a bit more of a passer, I’m a bit more of a shooter.” Kostopoulos elaborated on the developmental goals for each player, noting that he seeks to enhance Liam’s strength and Markus’s skating speed as they prepare for their next WHL season. “I think Liam can get up and down the ice a little bit quicker. He’s got some speed. He’s got some separation speed,” Kostopoulos said. “Just building the strength— I think he’s got a tremendous shot, and he’s able to find space in the o-zone, and finish plays, and score goals. So building the strength, I think, as the strength and power come, his skating will get even better.”

As for Markus, Kostopoulos praised his playmaking abilities but acknowledged the need for improvement in his skating technique. “He probably needs a little more work in the skating department, and as he builds the strength, and works on the technique of the skating, I think he’s going to really come along,” he added.

Liam, who stands at 6-foot-0 and weighs 177 pounds, shared his commitment to developing a food plan with the Penguins even before the draft to help him gain weight for the demanding 68-game WHL schedule. “I want to play a lot. I don’t want to rush it into college and play a lesser role or anything like that,” he said. “So, go back and play a big role, and I think I can put weight on with working with the nutritionists from Pittsburgh and people that can help me out.”

In addition to the Ruck twins, the Penguins are evaluating other draft prospects, including second-round pick Tomas Galvas and third-round pick Pierce Mbuyi. Mbuyi, who has committed to Penn State for the 2027-28 season, is set to return to the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack next season. “I’m looking to even out my game a lot more… I think another year in the O will help me develop my game and get me ready for Penn State,” he said.

Notably absent from the camp are fifth-round pick goaltender Matvei Nikonovich and defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke. Kostopoulos remarked on Brunicke’s promising development last season, during which he played in the WHL and AHL and made his NHL debut. “He took everything that was told to him, and really took it to heart, and worked on it,” Kostopoulos said. “He’s defending better. I think, if you guys walked the playoffs in Wilkes-Barre, his competitiveness was right up there with some of the veteran players in the playoffs. He was a go-to guy for the team there at a really young age.”

Development camp is set to continue on Tuesday, with a goaltending session scheduled for 9 a.m. The event will culminate on Friday with a tournament among the three prospect teams, kicking off at noon in Cranberry.

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