Penguins forward prospects aren't as bleak as some think

Jake Guentzel has started his Penguins career superbly and has really given Sullivan and the Penguins bench questions to think about when Kunitz and Hornqvist return from injury. Guentzel in my mind has done enough to warrant staying up and that will likely see someone else go down alongside Sestito. Wilson is a likely candidate.

One of the areas where Pittsburgh are criticised is their forward prospects and often people hark on about how we will be a terrible team in a few years. Whilst we haven't got a strong and deep prospect pool like Toronto, or one that drafts deep and well like Tampa, we do have players that can step up and some are showing real promise in the American Hockey League.

Currently the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins are 1st in the NHL through 19 games with a 13-4-2 record alongside a goals for record of 56 with just 37 against. Guentzel was around the top of league in scoring before heading to Pittsburgh with 17 points in 16 games. Since he left Sundqvist has picked up the scoring which is pleasing to see.

During his stint with Pittsburgh last year Sundqvist showed a great defensive game and showed glimpses of an offensive game that needed some work. He currently has 6 goals and 9 assists through 17 games and developing that side of his game could make him an option to replace Nick Bonino when his contract is up.

Carter Rowney signed a new deal in the summer, a two-way deal for two years and has continued his performances from last season which saw him finish with 24 goals and 32 assists. So far he is on pace to have a similarly good year this. With the recent acquisition of Danny Kristo there is a possibility of some increase there due to the familiarity the two have with each other from their College days.

The biggest forward prospects is sadly injured though and Daniel Sprong likely won't be back for another few months. He underwent shoulder surgery in June and isn't expected to be back until January at the earliest. When he does come back he will most likely be sent to the Juniors to finish the year and ease himself back into it.

Next time someone says the Penguins don't have young forwards the above names should mentioned and levied alongside the likes of Rust, Sheary, Wilson and Kuhnhackl who currently play on the Penguins. They just need to give them some time.