Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins

JP Hurlbert had a breakout year with the Kamloops Blazers, and if he’s available at 22, that could be the Penguins’ pick. Hunter and Patrick continue their pre-draft profile series today by looking at Kamloops Blazers’ forward, and teammate of Penguins’ prospect Harrison Brunicke, JP Hurlbert. (1:42) A shifty forward with a scoring touch could provide the Penguins’ prospect pool with another skilled asset, should he be available at 22. Then, the Penguins made a small trade over the weekend, sending Emil Pieniniemi to Florida in exchange for Oliver Okuliar. (13:30) The Penguins are reportedly working toward a contract with Okuliar after a rocky re...

The Penguins are still sitting at 22nd in the NHL Draft, and there's a scoring winger in the OHL that could really bolster their prospect pool. Patrick and Hunter are back for the Friday episode, and they continue their draft profiles today with Saginaw Spirit winger Nikita Klepov. He scored nearly 100 points in his rookie OHL season and fits the profile of the kind of player Kyle Dubas and Wes Clark like to bring into their system. (0:00) Meanwhile, Avery Hayes absolutely burst onto the scene this year in his NHL debut, scoring two goals against the Sabres, but was...

Matt Cullen’s son Wyatt is expected to be a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Will the Penguins be the ones to call his name? Hunter and Patrick kick off the Wednesday edition with another draft profile, (1:10) this time looking at Matt Cullen’s son Wyatt. The kid has a lot of skill and potential, but with an NCAA season looming, will he mature into a useful NHL player? Then, they take a look back at Ville Koivunen’s season. (12:10) His AHL numbers were stellar, but his NHL numbers were not. However, it might be time to be a lit...

Rutger McGroarty started the season on the injured list, but bounced back for a solid year in the AHL. Is it time for him to graduate? Patrick and Hunter continue their season-in-review series today by looking at Rutger McGroarty's play in both the AHL and the NHL. He was over a point-per-game player in the AHL and turned in a solid performance in the Calder Cup Playoffs, and showed growth at the NHL level. While he showed some flashes, it's probably time for him to become a full-time NHL player. (0:00) Then, the conversation about McGroarty continues into the second...

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ playoff run came to an end this weekend, but which prospects helped their case? Hunter and Patrick begin the show by recapping Wilkes-Barre’s game six loss to the Toronto Marlies. (1:20) Despite a great showing by Sergei Mursahov, they were unable to find the overtime winner to force a game seven. They also look at players such as Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen. (12:45) Did they do enough to lock down a roster spot this fall, or will they have to do more? Finally, the season in review series continues with a look back at Stuart Skin...

Red Wings' captain Dylan Larkin wants out, so will the Penguins and Kyle Dubas make a play for him? Patrick and Hunter begin the show, before all of the Dylan Larkin talk, by continuing their season-in-review series, taking a look at the season that was for the veteran Kevin Hayes. While he's likely on his way out, he performed admirably and played a role as a leader in the locker room for some of the younger players. (0:00) Then, it's time for Larkin talk. Should Kyle Dubas trade for the Red Wings' captain, and what would the cost be? While...

Rutger McGroarty and a few other of the Penguins’ top prospects gritted out a big win in Toronto to tie the series for Wilkes-Barre! Hunter and Patrick begin the Thursday edition of Locked On Penguins by breaking down WBS’s big victory in Toronto to tie the series at 2 apiece. (1:20) They look at Rutger McGroarty’s game-winner, Sergei Murashov’s bounce-back, and a player who is flying under the radar this postseason. Then, the season in review series continues as they look back at defenseman Connor Clifton’s 2025-26 performance. (14:23) While not significant, he’s one of the Penguins’ pending UFAs w...

In a special edition of Locked On Penguins, Patrick Damp speaks with USA Today's Kenny Jacoby about the impact venture capital is having on youth hockey, specifically in Pittsburgh. In this episode, Patrick welcomes Kenny Jacoby to the program for the first time to discuss his investigation, "Lord of the Rinks. Meet the hockey CEO cashing in on your kids team" and how one company has been buying up ice rinks in the northeast, including a few in the Pittsburgh area. Kenny gives us a rundown of how this company, Black Bear Sports Group, came to be, why they're...

Despite battling injuries late in the season, Blake Lizotte turned in another solid season with the Penguins, leading to a contract extension. Hunter and Patrick continue their season-in-review series by discussing Blake Lizotte and everything he brought to the Penguins’ fourth line throughout the season. Despite a late injury, Lizotte’s value throughout the season was about more than just offensive production; he was a key penalty killer and provided energy when the roster needed it most. Then, the Baby Penguins got their first win of this year’s Eastern Conference Finals, beating Toronto 5-3, and doing it by playin...

Most people overlooked the Penguins' acquisition of Elmer Soderblom, but after 20 games, he has proven he can be a valuable young piece for the team! Patrick and Hunter continue their season in review series today by taking a look at the 6’8” Swede who showed he can blend size and skill like few other players. (1:30) So, where does Soderblom fit going forward? Can he build off a strong start to his Penguins tenure, and what is his ceiling? Then, it was a tough weekend for the Penguins’ farm clubs, as the Nailers bowed out of the Kelly Cup Playoffs in five g...

After being acquired from Colorado, Sam Girard had a mostly unimpressive tenure with the Penguins, but is this just a blip on the radar? Hunter and Patrick continue the season-in-review series with defenseman Samuel Girard. He was acquired from the Avalanche along with a draft pick for Brett Kulak, but in 20 regular-season games and six playoff games, his time in Pittsburgh was inconsistent. Despite the inconsistencies, he showed flashes of talent and solid play, so will a full training camp and season help him? (0:00) Then, in the first of two parts of Fan Take Friday, they begin with their...

It was another solid season for Penguins' forward Rickard Rakell, but as the Penguins continue to retool, will he remain a Penguin? Patrick and Hunter continue their season-in-review series, looking at the season that was for Rakell. While he once again put up solid numbers, the most impressive part of his season was the versatility, having to switch from center to wing on multiple occasions. However, as Kyle Dubas continues to look for big swings on the trade market and looks to inject the roster with some youth, could Rakell be on the trading block? (0:00) Wednesday was a rough...

Justin Brazeau started the season on fire, but trailed off as it continued, and now he needs to find some consistency. The Locked On Penguins season in review series continues on Wednesday as Hunter and Patrick look back at the season for forward Justin Brazeau. (1:22) His season started off great, but as it continued, he found himself searching for consistency. So, what does that mean for the last year of his deal? Then, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins begin their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Toronto Marlies, and it will be another tough test for the Baby Penguins. (12:47) They...

It's done! The Penguins announced they have re-signed Evgeni Malkin to a one-year contract extension. Patrick and Hunter begin the Tuesday edition of Locked On Penguins by discussing the breaking news that the Penguins and Evgeni Malkin have agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract to keep him in Pittsburgh for at least one more season. For the Penguins, this contract hits all the right notes: Geno remains a Penguin, the cap hit is small, and it keeps the Penguins fanbase happy. For Malkin, there are a lot of performance bonuses to keep him motivated to help the team. (0:00) Then...

It was another point-per-game season for the Penguins’ captain as he once again proved to be the model of consistency. Hunter and Patrick continue the Locked On Penguins Season in Review series on this Monday by taking a look at the season for Sidney Crosby. (1:30) The captain once again scored at a point-per-game pace and looked like his usual self, but a slowdown could be looming. Then, it’s time once again to take a look at the farm clubs. (11:30) The Wheeling Nailers are coming home down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals after letting a couple of golden oppo...

At the time, the price to acquire Egor Chinakhov seemed steep, but after half a season in Pittsburgh, it looks like a steal. Patrick Damp is flying solo today on the Friday edition of Locked On Penguins, and it begins with continuing the season in review series, looking at forward Egor Chinakhov. In 43 games with Pittsburgh, Chinakhov looked like a star, scoring 18 goals and 36 points. Along with the offense, Chinakhov showed he can be a reliable player in all three zones. Going into next season, the priority should be getting him more power-play time. (0:00) Then, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins...

It was another career year for Penguins forward Bryan Rust, but the question now is, how much longer can he keep it up? Patrick and Hunter continue the Locked On Penguins Season In Review series on Thursday, discussing the play of forward Bryan Rust. Once again, Rust recorded a career-high in points and set a career-high in assists. At 34, he continues to be a consistent presence for the Penguins, but the way he plays the game, and how long he's played, how much longer can it be expected to last? (0:00) Meanwhile, another consistent player for the Penguins has been...

Despite being maybe the best defenseman in franchise history, Kris Letang’s up-and-down season leaves the team in an awkward position. Hunter and Patrick begin the show with the season in review for Kris Letang. (1:30) While Letang has enjoyed a remarkable career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the last couple of years appear that Father Time has caught up to him. This begs the question, what should the team do in his final two years under contract? Then, the Baby Penguins are one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals, and first-round pick Bill Zonnon just cannot stop scoring. (13:15) Finally, we...

The Penguins returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, and a big reason was the play of Erik Karlsson. Patrick and Hunter continue their season in review series by looking at the best season defenseman Erik Karlsson has had in a Penguins jersey since he was acquired in 2023. Thanks to a stable partner in Parker Wotherspoon and a new coach in Dan Muse, Karlsson was able to be the team MVP and bring an impact in all three zones. (0:00) Then, the Wheeling Nailers are moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals in the ECHL after winning game...

When the Penguins took Ben Kindel 11th overall, there weren’t many expectations on him, but he exceeded all of them! Hunter and Patrick continue the Locked On Penguins season in review series today with a look back at Ben Kindel’s sensational rookie season. (1:30) They discuss how he surprised everyone and remained with the team for a full season, what his ceiling is, and how he can have an even better year two. Then, the Penguins’ ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers, are set for a winner-take-all game seven tonight after a dramatic game six overtime victory. (13:30) Finally, Sidney Crosby...

All Connor Dewar needed was a change of scenery, and in the past year, he got just that in Pittsburgh, becoming a big part of the bottom six. Patrick and Hunter continue their season in review series, this time taking a look at Connor Dewar, another in a long list of Penguins who had a career year and got rewarded with a new contract just last week. They go over his season as a whole, how he'll fit moving forward, and what he brings to the table in the medium term. (0:00) Then, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were about five...

It was another career year for another Penguins’ defenseman, but is it worth bringing him back? Hunter and Patrick continue their season in review series, this time looking at defenseman Ryan Shea. (1:00) The 29-year-old D-man had his best season in the NHL, but does that mean he’s due for a big payday, and should the Penguins be the ones to pay it? After a 2-0 series lead, the Penguins’ ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers, now find themselves in a 3-2 series hole in Maine. (13:00) How can they come back with two home games looming, and what do they need t...

As we focused on Kyle Dubas's press conference on Tuesday, we missed that he wasn't named among the finalists for GM of the Year. Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing whether or not Dubas was snubbed by the voters for the General Manager of the Year Award. They lay out the case for why Dubas should have been a nominee, including the hiring of Dan Muse, his offseason acquisitions, and the unexpected playoff berth. (0:00) Then, it was a tale of two games for the Penguins' farm system on Tuesday night. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, they got a 2-0...

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager/president Kyle Dubas spoke about the end of the season for the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, and Hunter and Patrick are here to give their big takeaways. They start by discussing what Dubas had to say about Evgeni Malkin and his plan to bring him back for one more season. (1:30) After that, they dive into comments about how the Penguins are "not even close" to being contenders, and how Dubas sees the team, before looking at why he could try to go big-game hunting this summer. (11:50) Finally, Hunter and Patrick review Anthony Mantha's season after...

Today, we begin our season in review series, and we start with forward Tommy Novak. Did he do enough this season with an elevated role? Patrick and Hunter kick off the season in review series, and this year, they're going by games played. The only skater to play in all 82 was Tommy Novak. He showed plenty of chemistry with Evgeni Malkin, and remained in the top six for most of the year, but did he do enough to be part of the Penguins' future? (0:00) Then, the Wheeling Nailers are two games into the North Division Final, and they've got...

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are heading to the third round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. To start the show, Hunter and Patrick recap the win for WBS and discuss which prospects had themselves a good game. (1:10) They discuss Tanner Howe and his play before moving on to Harrison Brunicke's overall performance. After that, they dive into how well Sergei Murashov played and why he is building significant momentum for next season. (13:20) Finally, it's Friday, meaning it's time to bring Fan Take Friday back. Hunter and Patrick answer your questions and react to your takes to end the show. (24:00)

The Penguins got two of their UFAs locked up on Thursday, keeping their depth options open. Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing the re-signings of Connor Dewar and Ilya Solovyov. (1:15) For Kyle Dubas, it’s a good bet on both players, as Dewar had a career year, and Solovyov provides a solid bottom-pair defensive option. Then, another Penguins’ first-round pick is heading to Wilkes-Barre for the Calder Cup Playoffs now that his junior season has come to an end. (13:50) They talk about what Bill Zonnon can bring to WBS as they look to advance against Hershey. Finally, Tommy Nova...

The NHL's salary cap is officially set at $104 million, so what does this mean for the Penguins' offseason plans? Hunter and Patrick begin the show by discussing the news that the NHL has officially set the salary cap for the 2026-27 season, and it will give the Penguins more than $45 million in space to deal with. So, who should they bring back, who should they target, and how much should they spend? (0:00) Then, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins officially pulled ahead of the Hershey Bears in their Calder Cup Playoff series thanks to heroics from some of their more cherished...

The Penguins have 20 free agents this summer between UFAs and RFAs, so who stays and who goes? Patrick and Hunter start the Tuesday edition of Locked On Penguins discussing the five restricted free agents the Penguins will have this summer, including two big ones in forward Egor Chinakhov and goaltender Arturs Silovs. Should Kyle Dubas and the Penguins offer both bridge deals, or should he look to lock them up long-term? (0:00) Then, the Penguins will have 15 unrestricted free agents to worry about, and outside of Evgeni Malkin, there are a few big decisions looming. They spend the second segment...

Before the start of the 2025-26 season, we made some bold predictions for the year, so which of them came true? Hunter and Patrick start the Monday show by looking back at their preseason bold predictions, and while they didn't get a single thing correct, that actually might be for the better because it was a season that nobody saw coming! (1:00) Then, they check in on the Wheeling Nailers and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to give updates on the way their playoffs are going. (11:40) Finally, they update the Locked On Penguins bracket challenge and give their picks for the second...

Evgeni Malkin made it clear, again, at locker cleanout day that he wants to return to the Penguins, but do the Penguins want him back? Patrick and Hunter begin the Friday show talking about locker cleanout day for the Penguins, specifically Evgeni Malkin's comments that he wants to return for a 21st season, but will it be with the Penguins? They also touch on Ben Kindel's comments and Arturs Silovs injury. (0:00) Then, head coach Dan Muse has officially been nominated for the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year, along with Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff and...

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion, a 1-0 loss in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers. (1:00) Hunter and Patrick recap the game and how the Penguins, despite their best effort of the series, were unable to find the game-winner to bring the series back to Pittsburgh for game seven. Then, they give goaltender Arturs Silovs all of the flowers for his game six performance. (12:30) With his steadiness since taking the net in game four, it appears Silovs has earned himself an extension in Pittsburgh, but for how much and how long? Finally, three key factors le...

The Penguins have the chance to force game seven tonight, but it will take a massive effort. Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing yet another do-or-die game against the Flyers, and how the first 5-10 minutes of the game will be crucial. They talk about what the Penguins need to be on the lookout for, how they can quiet a raucous Philadelphia crowd, and put the pressure on the Flyers in game six. (0:00) Then, they talk about the goaltending matchup between Arturs Silovs and Dan Vladar. While Silovs doesn't have to steal the game, he will have to...

The Pittsburgh Penguins are alive after a Game 5 victory at home. Hunter and Patrick begin the episode by recapping the very professional win by the Penguins in Pittsburgh and how, for the first time in this series, it was a whole-team effort. (1:00) Then, they keep the party going by shouting out the bottom six and how those two lines really stepped up when the Penguins needed them to. They discuss how great Anthony Mantha played and how Elmer Soderblom had his big moment. (12:30) Finally, for the second game in a row, Sidney Crosby has put on his hero cape...

The Penguins were able to keep their season alive for at least one more game with a game four victory over the Flyers! Patrick and Hunter begin the show recapping the Penguins' massive victory on Saturday night in Philadelphia, and how a bold decision by Dan Muse to turn to Arturs Silovs proved to be the correct one. They also discuss the play of the fourth line and how a small tweak to the breakout helped the Penguins find some offense. (0:00) Then, with their season hanging in the balance, as they have done for two decades, the Big Three...

The Pittsburgh Penguins have their hands full going into Game 4 of their playoff series, and Hunter and Patrick are here to discuss it. They start with the lineup changes, who's coming in and who's coming out (1:30). They discuss which moves make sense and which don't before getting into what they'd do for the top power play unit. After that, they discuss ways that the Penguins can come back in this series and ways that they can't (13:10). They give some keys to victory for Game 4 before ending the show by going around the league, looking at the different playoff series. (25:00)<...

The Penguins fell to the Flyers once again in game three, and now they're one loss away from being swept out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Patrick and Hunter begin the show recapping what went wrong in the Penguins' 5-2 loss in game three against the Flyers. Whether it was a lack of discipline, falling into the same bad habits, or the Flyers once again shutting them down, the Penguins found themselves once again on the losing end. (0:00) Then, diving deeper into the series, they discuss who is at fault. While it's not just one person or decision, there...

Head Coach Dan Muse made some lineup changes at morning skate ahead of the Penguins' biggest game of the year in Philadelphia. Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing the new lines at morning skate, the impact these changes can make, and how Justin Brazeau getting back into the lineup could help the Penguins' offense. However, one change that hasn't been made is to the power play. (0:00) Then, they give their keys to victory as the Penguins will look to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole against the Flyers. (14:01) Finally, the show concludes with a tradition: yes, it's Wednesday...

The Pittsburgh Penguins were once again frustrated by the Flyers' defensive system and played right into it. How can they turn it around? Hunter and Patrick discuss Monday's loss and how the Penguins keep playing right into the trap. They discuss how they're not spending enough time in the high-danger areas and how the top players need to be much better if they want to pull off a big comeback. They also discuss the power play and how it has let the Penguins down in crucial moments. Finally, with the series shifting back to Philly, what do the Penguins...

Home ice advantage has been surrendered by the Pittsburgh Penguins after dropping game one to the Philadelphia Flyers. Patrick and Hunter begin the episode recapping a pretty lifeless effort from the Penguins in game one that saw them fall 3-2 to their cross-state rivals. They dive into the stats, the Xs and Os, and the narratives coming out of game one. (0:00) Then, after looking at game one, they look ahead to game two and talk about what the Penguins and Head Coach Dan Muse will have to adjust in order to break Philadelphia's stout and disciplined defense. They also...