- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Penguins Sign NCAA Star Jake Livanavage
The defenseman's NHL journey begins after going undrafted
Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:04pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Penguins' signing of the undrafted defenseman Jake Livanavage represents a strategic move to uncover hidden talent and challenge the traditional NHL scouting process.Today in PittsburghThe Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Jake Livanavage, an undrafted NCAA standout who played for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and the Chicago Steel. Despite going unselected in the draft, Livanavage impressed with his offensive production and two-way abilities, leading to this opportunity with the Penguins.
Why it matters
Livanavage's signing highlights the Penguins' commitment to identifying and developing overlooked talent, challenging the traditional draft-centric approach to player acquisition. His journey also raises broader questions about the NHL's scouting process and the potential for late bloomers or undrafted players to make an impact at the professional level.
The details
Livanavage, who went undrafted, honed his skills at the college and junior levels, showcasing his offensive prowess and exceptional vision on the blue line. He produced 25 points in each of his three seasons with the Fighting Hawks, demonstrating his ability to consistently contribute offensively. The Penguins see Livanavage as a reliable two-way defenseman who can bolster their depth on the back end and create offensive opportunities.
- Livanavage played three seasons with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks from 2023 to 2026.
- Livanavage spent the 2025-26 season with the Chicago Steel in the USHL.
- The Penguins signed Livanavage on April 11, 2026.
The players
Jake Livanavage
An undrafted defenseman who played for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and the Chicago Steel, showcasing his offensive prowess and two-way abilities, leading to his signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The NHL team that has signed Jake Livanavage, signaling their commitment to identifying and developing overlooked talent.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
The college hockey team that Livanavage played for, where he consistently produced 25 points in each of his three seasons.
Chicago Steel
The junior hockey team that Livanavage played for during the 2025-26 season, further honing his skills before signing with the Penguins.
What’s next
Livanavage will look to make an immediate impact with the Penguins, as he aims to solidify his spot on the NHL roster and contribute to the team's success.
The takeaway
Livanavage's signing by the Penguins highlights the value of scouting beyond the traditional draft process and the potential for overlooked players to thrive in the NHL. It challenges the conventional approach to player development and opens up discussions about the importance of nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds.
