February Penguins Prospects Update: Goaltenders

Yahoo

01-03-2025

There are some exciting developments down on the farm for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With more talent in the system than they've had in recent memory, the Penguins have several prospects of interest to keep an eye on. We close out our February Penguins Prospects Update with goaltending.
Since Blomqvist's recall from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) on Jan. 16 - after Tristan Jarry was waived and re-assigned to WBS - it hasn't exactly been smooth-sailing for the 23-year-old rookie.
His first stint in the NHL earlier this season - aside from one rotten performance by the entire team against the Dallas Stars - was impressive. Taking out the Dallas game, he boasted a .913 save percentage and was, clearly, the team's best goaltender up to that point in the season.
But since his recall on Jan. 16, Alex Nedeljkovic hit a hot streak just before the 4 Nations Face-off break, and Blomqvist hasn't gotten too many starts as a result. In his four starts - and six appearances - since his second recall, Blomqvist has posted a measly .863 save percentage.
That's not exactly great, but the inconsistent playing time sure hasn't helped him. And he was very good against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday in relief of Nedeljkovic, surrendering just one goal on 23 shots in 32 minutes and 36 seconds of ice.
There are going to be some growing pains in Blomqvist's development, so patience is paramount.
Larsson, 26, has been nothing short of spectacular for WBS this season.
The Swedish goaltender is 9-4-3 on the season with five shutouts - tied for first in the AHL - including one Friday against the Syracuse Crunch. He has also posted a .927 save percentage on the season.
Larsson is very clean and postionally sound, but what stands out most about him - perhaps - is his composure. He doesn't get rattled. He navigates the crease with poise and confidence, and he doesn't give up a whole lot of second-chance opportunities. His reads have been spectacular as well.
He's been, arguably, the best goaltender in the Penguins' system this season. There's another guy in the ECHL that has given him a run for his money, but Larsson is very legitimately making the case for an NHL call-up before the end of the season.
Even if Larsson has been the steadiest goaltender in the Penguins' system, there is no denying who the most talented and highest-ceiling goaltender is.
And that would be 20-year-old Russian netminder Murashov.
We've discussed how Murashov - in three seasons prior to 2024-25 between the KHL and the MHL, Russia's junior league - never posted a save percentage below .925. Well, now that's the case for professional hockey in North America as well.
In the ECHL this season? He is 16-6-1 with a .926 save percentage and a .231 goals-against average.
In the AHL this season? He is 6-0-0 with a .934 save percentage and a 1.99 goals-against average.
Murshov's talent is raw, but the talent can't be denied. He's quicker than anyone the Penguins have had in their systen in recent memory. He's agile. He's athletic. And he's composed and mature beyond his years. Even one of the weaker areas of his game - his rebound control - has seen some improvement throughout the course of the season.
Right now, Murashov belongs in the AHL. The organization needs to get him there as soon as they can so they don't stunt his development - because it's not all that far-fetched to say that the Penguins have a potential star goaltender in the making.
Gauthier, 24, took home ECHL Goaltender of the Year honors last season with a 24-16-1 record and a .923 save percentage.
His numbers have dipped a bit this season, as he has assumed more of a backup role behind Sergei Murashov. But he is still 10-7-0 with a .911 save percentage, which are respectable numbers for a starting goaltender.
Unfortunately for Gauthier, Murashov exists. And so do Larsson and Blomqvist. Barring injury, he's unlikely to see ice time above the ECHL level this season, and it's not because of him. It's because of the sheer amount of goaltending depth in the Penguins' organization.
Still, Gauthier is a reliable depth option for the Penguins. As long as he continues to put up good numbers, he should eventually earn an elevated role as veterans get moved out.
Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!