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Wilkes-Barre Today
By the People, for the People
Penguins Prospects Pickering and Koivunen Struggle to Find Consistency
Young players face challenges as they aim to earn NHL roster spots
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Pittsburgh Penguins prospects Owen Pickering and Ville Koivunen are facing difficulties as they try to establish themselves at the NHL level. Pickering, a defenseman, is working to find his identity and play with more aggression, while forward Koivunen has struggled with puck management and skating strength. Both players have been sent down to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL to continue developing their games.
Why it matters
The Penguins are in a transitional period, with veteran players taking roster spots that were expected to go to younger prospects. Pickering and Koivunen represent the future of the organization, and their development will be crucial as the team looks to rebuild and remain competitive in the coming years.
The details
Pickering, a 22-year-old defenseman, has been working to find consistency in his game after a successful 25-game stint in the NHL last season. Coaches have emphasized the need for him to play with more confidence and aggression, as he has at times been too passive in his own end. Koivunen, a 22-year-old forward, has struggled with puck management and skating strength at the NHL level, leading to his demotion to the AHL. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton coach Kirk MacDonald has praised Koivunen's ability to be a "prick" on the ice when he's at his best, but the young Finn needs to find more consistency in that aspect of his game.
- Pickering reached a crescendo in his NHL play last season, but has since tapered off.
- Koivunen was demoted to the AHL after just a couple of NHL games this season, and has been up and down between the two levels.
The players
Owen Pickering
A 22-year-old defenseman in the Penguins' system who is working to find his identity and play with more aggression at the professional level.
Ville Koivunen
A 22-year-old forward in the Penguins' system who has struggled with puck management and skating strength at the NHL level, leading to his demotion to the AHL.
Kirk MacDonald
The head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Penguins' AHL affiliate.
What they’re saying
“When he's at his best, he's a prick,”
— Kirk MacDonald, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins head coach
“I want to do more. But I feel like if you see something first, you can do it. It feels like, if you don't do it enough first, then it's like no one cares. What are you gonna say there? So I think first you have to be better on the ice and stuff, and then you can maybe start doing that more.”
— Ville Koivunen
What’s next
Pickering and Koivunen will continue to work on their games in the AHL, with the goal of earning another opportunity at the NHL level. Pickering's development will be crucial as the Penguins look to the future, while Koivunen will need to show more consistency and physicality to earn a permanent spot on the NHL roster.
The takeaway
The struggles of Pickering and Koivunen highlight the challenges young players face in transitioning to the NHL. While the Penguins are currently winning with veteran players, the long-term success of the organization will depend on the development of these prospects and their ability to contribute at the highest level.
