There is a growing belief within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization that goaltending prospect Sergei Murashov is prepared to begin the 2026-27 season in the NHL.
The original plan was for the 22-year-old netminder to spend the entire campaign in the AHL. Aside from a few brief NHL appearances where he looked comfortable, Murashov dominated with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He posted a 24-9-4 record, a 2.20 goals-against average, and a .919 save percentage during the regular season. In the first round of the AHL playoffs against the Hershey Bears, he elevated his game with a 1.99 GAA and a .937 save percentage.
The Penguins wanted Murashov to complete a full season in Wilkes-Barre, but they also hoped he could lead their affiliate on a deep playoff run. After a first-round bye, Wilkes-Barre now faces the Springfield Thunderbirds in the third round. The club is a heavy favorite, especially after Springfield’s upset of Providence.
While Murashov is not yet a finished product, the organization is impressed with his development. His puck-handling and rebound control remain works in progress—common for young goaltenders—but he has made clear strides. His athleticism is elite, and his ability to challenge shooters and read plays stands out.
The Penguins have several promising goalie prospects, including Joel Blomqvist, who also shined in Wilkes-Barre, and Gabriel D’Aigle, a 2025 third-round pick who has caught the team’s eye. But Murashov sits at the top of the depth chart. Sources within the organization indicate he is on track to be the team’s starting netminder by next season. It would be surprising if Murashov and Artūrs Šilovs are not the two goaltenders in Pittsburgh come September. What stands out most about Murashov, according to those who work with him daily, is his professionalism and maturity—rare qualities for a 22-year-old.
**Zonnon on the Rise**
Bill Zonnon is making his mark in Wilkes-Barre. The 22nd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is expected to make his AHL debut during the second round. Despite a season plagued by injuries in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, Zonnon still managed 46 points in 35 games for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.
Fans should keep an eye on him. In the days following the draft, Penguins brass was as excited about Zonnon as they were about Ben Kindel. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Zonnon is a fast, straight-line forward who plays fearlessly. Some within the organization believe his floor is a third-line NHL center. He can also play wing, but he is a natural center, and the Penguins intend to keep him there. He is likely still a year away from NHL readiness, with a potential debut target of the 2027-28 season. However, if he proves ready earlier, the team won’t hold him back. He is a significant part of Pittsburgh’s future.
**Pickering’s Uncertain Future**
The same cannot be said for Owen Pickering, the team’s 2022 first-round pick. He has not been a disaster in Wilkes-Barre, but there is a sense that he is unlikely to become a fixture on the Penguins’ blue line. Drafted by former general manager Ron Hextall, Pickering has never fully won over the current regime. Despite not looking awful in his 29 NHL games, his trajectory appears less promising compared to other prospects.
