Pierce Mbuyi Impresses at Penguins’ Summer Development Camp

In a standout performance at the Penguins’ summer development camp, 2026 third-round draft pick Pierce Mbuyi showcased his offensive prowess, capturing the attention of scouts and coaches alike. Mbuyi thrived during the 3v3 scrimmages, a format that perfectly highlighted his creativity and skill. The 86th overall pick made a memorable first impression, underlining the potential that led to his selection.

Wes Clark, a key figure in the Penguins’ scouting department, spoke highly of Mbuyi, noting, “Pierce is an underdog. He had 74 points this year, and we did a lot of work on him in the past couple of weeks. He’s dealt with some things in his lifetime that you don’t want people at that age to deal with. So, we see the look in his eyes, and we’ve got a lot of belief in the person.” Clark’s comments hinted at the personal challenges Mbuyi has faced, including the loss of his mother to cancer in 2021.

Mbuyi reflected on this loss, saying, “If I had a bad game I could just talk to her about the game. My mom would just let me tell her what I think. She didn’t know much about hockey, she just always wanted to help out and do her thing. Everything I do is for my mom. With everything I do, I try to make her proud.” Despite the adversity he has faced, Mbuyi has established himself as a promising prospect, having been drafted seventh overall in the OHL draft before embarking on his journey to the NHL.

As he prepares to take the next step in his career, Mbuyi reflects on his development. “I was always just a hard worker. A grinder. When I dropped down to my age group, I had a pretty good year, but it was my bantam year when I kind of took off and started scoring. I don’t know what happened. I got some hands overnight,” he said. His determination is evident, as he emphasizes, “For me it wasn’t even about the points, it was just about working my ass off and getting seen, you know? Make an impact.”

Scouts had varying opinions on Mbuyi, with many feeling he should have been drafted higher than 86th overall. His size, weighing in at only 163 pounds, was a concern, but his skill and hockey IQ have left a lasting impression on the Penguins. Josh Yohe from The Athletic noted, “The Penguins genuinely did not expect him to still be available in the third round. Though Mbuyi is undersized, the Penguins love his skill, hockey IQ, and competitive spirit. They think they got a steal.” This excitement around Mbuyi is palpable, with many within the organization eager to see how he develops.

Mbuyi’s most notable asset is his ability to score with one-timers, particularly from the half-wall. Last season, he led the OHL in power-play goals with 19, showcasing his lethal shot from that position. Opponents need to be wary when Mbuyi is on the ice, as he possesses a unique ability to manipulate defenders through his decision-making. He often sets up for a shot before quickly executing a touch-pass, forcing defenders to adjust their positioning, which opens up space for him on the ice.

The skills Mbuyi displayed during the camp were a testament to his potential. His shifty skating, puck control, and knack for making plays left a lasting impression, making him a player to watch as he transitions to the NCAA ranks next season. With a successful debut at his first pro development camp, Mbuyi’s journey is just beginning, and the hockey world is eager to see what comes next.

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