Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins' prospects were unable to win the championship in Detroit on Tuesday morning, but they did leave quite an impression. Patrick and Hunter begin the Tuesday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by recapping the prospects' 3-1 loss to the Dallas Stars prospects in what was a surprisingly intense and physical finale. They discuss who had good games, who still has something more to prove, and more! (0:00) Then, they wrap up the whole three-game tournament by discussing which players had big weeks, who stood out the most, and who disappointed in Detroit. (11:14) Finally, with training camp just...

The Penguins prospects are 2-0 at the Detroit Challenge, and a lot of that is thanks to a second-round pick! Hunter and Patrick begin the Monday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by discussing the play of 2026 second-round pick, defenseman Tomas Galvas. (2:00) Galvas has been the Penguins’ best player through two games and has scored some highlight-reel goals, and with the motivation to make the team this year, they talk about his chances. Then, they talk about a couple of players, including Harrison Brunick and Mikhail Ilyin, who haven’t played poorly, but haven’t lived up to expect...

It’s a Fan Take Friday edition of Locked On Penguins, and we’re going over the best games of all time, breaking the shootout curse, and much more! Hunter and Patrick begin the Friday edition of Locked On Penguins by discussing a question from a listener: What are some of the best Penguins regular-season games they wish they could have been in the building for? (1:00) Then, they talk about the shootout curse and how the Penguins can break it this year, whether the Penguins will return to the playoffs, and who they’ll play on a hypothetical playoff run...

The Penguins appear to have just one spot open at forward and multiple players vying for that spot, so who gets it? Patrick and Hunter begin the Thursday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by concluding their Penguins Positional Previews series by discussing which of several forwards will claim the 12th spot, and whether the Penguins carry up to 14 forwards on the NHL roster this season. (0:00) Then, with a shortened preseason and training camp just a week away, each day carries new significance for the players who are trying to make the opening night roster. They go through...

The Locked On Penguins Positional Previews continue with a look at the forwards who are expected to make the opening night roster! Hunter and Patrick begin the show by continuing their preview of position groups. (1:30) Today, they’re doing the first of a two-part preview of the forwards. They start with the top-six, which appears to be pretty set in stone, so what are the expectations for this group going into the season? Then, they look at the bottom six, five of which are locks to make the roster on opening night, but with one spot open, and several fo...

It's official! The Penguins' prospects are heading to Detroit this weekend for the annual prospects challenge, and we'll get our first look at some of the newest draft picks! Patrick and Hunter begin the Tuesday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by taking a look at the Penguins' 27-man prospect challenge roster, which includes some 2026 NHL Draft picks, some long-term prospects, and even a couple of players who already have NHL experience under their belts. (0:00) Then, they continue the Penguins Positional Previews by taking a look at the newcomers on the blue line. They go over who the...

With training camp just about a week away, it’s time to take a look at the players who will be vying for spots on the 2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins! Hunter and Patrick begin the Monday edition of Locked On Penguins by breaking down all of the goaltenders in the system, and they start with the NHL guys. (1:30) With Sergei Murashov expected to make the team and begin his NHL journey, he’ll be competing with Arturs Silovs, who signed a one-year prove-it deal. Who will take the reins this year? Then, they pop down to Wilkes-Barre to talk about two...

It's another Fan Take Friday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast, and we're talking about which numbers could soon be retired in the franchise! Patrick and Hunter begin the Friday show with another Fan Take Friday question, this time asking which of the Penguins' current and former stars could see their numbers retired in the future. With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin near-certain to have their numbers retired, they lay out the cases for and against Kris Letang and Marc-Andre Fleury. (0:00) Then, in the second segment, they react to some hot takes, including an even bigger year for...

The Penguins made six picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft this past June, and if you missed it, we’re getting you caught up! (1:00) Hunter and Patrick begin the Thursday edition of Locked On Penguins with the Summer Catch-Up Series! Today, they’re taking a look at all of the Penguins’ draft picks from the 2026 draft. First, they give you the rundown of the six picks, where they were taken, and why the Penguins were unable to move up on night one. Then, they break down the majority of the picks, (12:45) including Pierce Mbyui, Tomas Galvas, and others. The show e...

The Penguins weren't just busy making trades and free agency signings this summer; they also re-signed A LOT of players, too. Patrick Damp and Hunter Hodies continue the Locked On Penguins Summer Catch-Up Series on the Wednesday episode by discussing the re-signings that were made by the Penguins' front office this summer. They begin the episode with an all-second-line discussion, going over the re-signings of Evgeni Malkin, Egor Chinakhov, and Tommy Novak. All three forwards had big years in 2025-26, so are they poised to repeat that success? They talk about how they think they're poised for another big...

The Penguins were very busy this offseason, and if you tuned out over the summer, we’re getting you caught up on all of the moves the team made! (1:30) Hunter and Patrick begin the Tuesday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast with the beginning of their Summer Catch-Up Series and take a look at the new forwards and defensemen they brought in. They start by looking at two young defensemen the Penguins traded for and signed, and at where Kaden Korczak and Declan Carlile will fit into the defensive group. Then, they go over some of the forwards th...

Everyone is excited for Sergei Murashov to become a full-time NHL goaltender, but with expectations high, what is a realistic ceiling? Patrick and Hunter begin the Friday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast with a fun Fan Take Friday suggestion about the NHL's point system. One listener suggested the league pick up the three-point standings system, but Hunter and Patrick have a better idea of how you can make games more meaningful and fix the standings. (0:00) Then, plenty of listeners are excited for Sergei Murashov as well as having high expectations for the rookie goaltender, but what is...

The Penguins will be on national TV the most times this season, which shows they are still a draw! Hunter and Patrick begin the Thursday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by addressing the 32 Thoughts rumor/speculation that Erik Karlsson could be traded to Toronto at the deadline. (1:20) They get into whether this makes sense, how it could happen, or why it couldn’t happen. Then, the Penguins will be featured on ESPN, TNT, or ABC 20 times this upcoming season. (12:45) Hunter and Patrick break down the matchups and the reasoning why the Penguins are so heavily featured. Finally, th...

As the season draws closer, it appears many are not buying into the Ben Kindel hype, but is it fair? Patrick and Hunter begin the Tuesday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by once again scratching their heads over a Corey Pronman article where he ranked Ben Kindel 19th in a 2025 NHL Entry Draft redraft. (2:25) Despite being the second-most productive player in the 2025 NHL Draft, it appears that’s not enough to even break into the top 15. Then they give their breakout candidates for the 2026-27 season, including Nick Robertson, Declan Carlie, and others. (13:15) Finally, the Penguins released th...

The Penguins might be getting yet another forward in their already overloaded group, as Filip Hallander appears to be all systems go after his injury last year. Hunter and Patrick begin the Friday edition of Locked On Penguins by discussing the news that Filip Hallander told a Swedish outlet he is healthy and has been working toward a return with the Penguins. But, with so many forwards already in the mix, where does he fit? (0:00) Then, today’s Fan Take Friday poll was all about when the Penguins could return to contention. For many fans, they believe it will be...

The Penguins announced their 2026 Hall of Fame class, and the legendary goaltender is going in! Hunter and Patrick begin the Thursday edition of Locked On Penguins discussing the four new inductees to the Penguins Hall of Fame, which include Marc-Andre Fleury, Larry Murphy, Jim Rutherford, and Jack McGregor. (1:25) They talk about the impact the four had on the franchise's history and success, and what they mean in the history books. Then, they react to The Athletic’s prospect rankings, and while the Penguins find themselves right in the middle of the pack, the actual ranking of the team’s pros...

When you're in a transitional period like the Pittsburgh Penguins, individual performances are key, so which players have the most to gain and to lose this season? Patrick Damp and Hunter Hodies begin the Wednesday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by discussing a few players who have the most to lose this season, should they underperform, including defenseman Sam Girard and forwards Ville Koviunen and Nick Robertson, as well as a few others (0:00). Then, they flip the discussion and talk about a few players who have the most to gain by having a big year. Whether it's...

Despite being close geographically, the Penguins and Blue Jackets' rivalry isn't as fierce as it could be, but why is that? Patrick and Hunter begin the Friday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by discussing the state of the Penguins-Blue Jackets rivalry. They figure out why it isn't more of a fierce rivalry, what has led to that, and how it can become one of hockey's best. (0:00)  Then, Fan Take Friday begins in the second segment with the idea of an Erik Karlsson trade, what happens with the defense, and where Ville Koivunen will begin the season. (11:01) Finally, F...

Everyone knows Crosby, Malkin, and maybe even Letang are bound for the Hockey Hall of Fame one day, but who are some other Penguins that might get the call to the Hall? Hunter and Patrick begin the Wednesday episode of the Locked On Penguins Podcast discussing the potential Hockey Hall of Fame candidacies of Marc-Andre Fleury and Mike Sullivan. (1:50) While Fleury and Sullivan seem like slam dunks to one day be enshrined in Toronto, what about Sergei Gonchar and Phil Kessel? (10:35) They talk about how those two have borderline cases, how they could get in, and how they might...

Fresh off a Jack Adams Award nomination, Penguins’ head coach Dan Muse will look to follow up a great rookie season in 2026-27. What will he need to do? Hunter and Patrick discuss that on the Monday edition after he exceeded all expectations in his debut season. He’ll have to focus a lot on development and getting the most out of some veterans while making his presence more known around the league. (2:20) Then, the Penguins still have a massive logjam at forward as camp inches closer, so how will they make sure they have enough players to stay comp...

Sidney Crosby turns 39 today, and it's once again time to talk about his career, his legacy, and what he means to the city of Pittsburgh! Patrick Damp is flying solo on the Friday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast, and he begins the show talking about Sidney Crosby's legacy in both the city of Pittsburgh and the sport of hockey. (0:00) Then, Patrick goes over some of the more iconic moments in Crosby's career, including game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, his performance in the 2016 Eastern Conference Final and Stanley Cup Final, his massive goal in the 2009 Stanley...

The Penguins signed forward Ville Koivunen to an 8-year, $4 million per season contract on Thursday, and the only question is...why? Patrick and Hunter begin the show trying to make sense of the eight-year contract the Penguins signed Koivunen to this week. They discuss why they think the Penguins have such a belief in the young forward, what it means for other younger players who will be due contracts in the next few years, and what, exactly, Koivunen's ceiling is as a potential full-time NHL player. (0:00) Then, the Penguins returning to the playoffs in 2026 was a magical ride, but...

The Penguins signed center Tommy Novak to a three-year extension this past weekend, but is the deal worth it? Hunter and Patrick begin the show discussing the three-year, $4.65 million/year extension for Tommy Novak. (1:25) They break down the deal, why he signed for that much, and what it means for him and the organization moving forward. Then, they talk about Novak’s fit with the forward group, and how signing a deal like this could net the Penguins a solid trade return in the future, should they choose to move him. (13:00) Finally, with just about a month to go un...

Evgeni Malkin is 40 years old today, so we're telling the story of how he became a Penguin and remembering his best moments! Patrick and Hunter begin the Friday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by first acknowledging that it has been TWENTY-ONE years since the Penguins drafted captain Sidney Crosby. (0:00) Then, it's Evgeni Malkin time. They go over his arrival in North America, his ability to elevate in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and his incredible personality that has shined through for years. (10:35) Finally, as part of Fan Take Friday, they go over some of your favorite Evgeni Malkin...

It’s another big year for Penguins’ 2022 first-round pick Owen Pickering, but this time, he actually has an opening. Hunter and Patrick begin the Wednesday edition of Locked On Penguins by discussing 2022 first-round pick defenseman Owen Pickering. (1:15) Following some lofty expectations, he has yet to really make his mark in the organization, but with a strong year last year in WBS and a weakened left side, he has a chance to take the leap in 2026-27. Then, with the roster still in flux, but the forwards at the top mostly set, Hunter and Patrick try to predict what the powe...

The Penguins were able to get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs thanks to several depth players stepping up in 2025-26, so who will do that this year? Patrick and Hunter begin the Monday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by looking at some of the Penguins' new additions as well as some players in their second year with the club and how they can step up to help the team return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2027. (0:00) Then, a Penguins' sixth-round pick had a huge weekend for Team USA at the World Junior Summer Showcase, and while...

After a sensational rookie campaign, how will forward Ben Kindel follow it up in his sophomore season? (1:30) Hunter and Patrick begin the show with a question in a full Fan Take Friday episode! A listener asks if they’re worried about regression in year two for forward Ben Kindel, and what the expectations are for him. Then, do the boys think they could rebuild the Vancouver Canucks, lead the Toronto Maple Leafs back to the Stanley Cup, or help build an expansion team in…Hawaii? (11:50) Finally, were the Penguins actually in on Jason Robertson or was this more of a le...

Jason Robertson officially re-signed with the Dallas Stars on a one-year deal, so who will the Penguins' next target be this summer? Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing the news that Jason Robertson and the Dallas Stars agreed to a one-year deal, meaning the biggest fish is off the market. So, who do the Penguins target next? One potential reclamation project out of Seattle could be on their radar, but will the cost be too high? (0:00) While we still have an entire season and trade deadline to go, Patrick and Hunter take a look at some of the...

The Penguins have several players hoping to make the jump to full-time NHL action this season, but who has the highest ceiling? Hunter and Patrick begin the Monday edition of the Locked On Penguins Podcast by rounding out their top 10 prospect ranking. (1:50) They discuss the likes of Will Horcoff, Bill Zonnon, and Rutger McGroarty. How can they continue to develop and eventually become regular NHL contributors? Then, the top two prospects in the system have a lot of expectations placed upon them. (15:04) One could be a top-pairing defenseman, and the other could be a franchise goaltender, but will they...

The Penguins made it official this week - the Wheeling Nailers are no longer the team's ECHL affiliate, and they now join up with the Florida Everblades. In a solo episode this Friday, Patrick begins the show by addressing and discussing the Penguins and the Hoffmann Family's decision to end their ECHL affiliation with the Wheeling Nailers and begin their relationship with the Florida Everblades. Patrick goes over why this happened, what it means for the future, and reflects on his time with the Nailers. (0:00) Then, on the same day as the affiliation announcement, the 2026-27 regular-season schedule was...

As we wait for the release of the complete 2026-27 NHL schedule, we do know how it will begin for the Penguins...in Philadelphia. Patrick and Hunter begin the show discussing the first release of the NHL schedule, which will see the Penguins take on the Philadelphia Flyers on opening night, the Montreal Canadiens in the home opener at PPG Paints Arena, and then they'll be the Washington Capitals' opponent for their opening night. (0:00) Then, the Penguins made it official on Wednesday, announcing the hiring of Brandon Pridham as Hockey Operations Consultant. They discuss why this is a good...

The Penguins have made some moves to start this week, including settling on a contract with an RFA and adding to their front office. Hunter and Patrick begin the show by discussing the two-year deal the Penguins have signed forward Nick Robertson to, whether it’s a solid deal, and what it means for his place in the organization moving forward. (1:30) Then, they dive into where they think Robertson will fit in the Penguins’ lineup and how, with this new contract, it’s time for him to start moving up the lineup and developing into a consistent offensive contributor. (10:03) Finall...

The Penguins will have two young goalies when the 2026-27 season begins, so what are the expectations for both of them? Patrick and Hunter begin the Friday edition of Locked On Penguins by taking a look at both Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov, both of whom are expected to be on the NHL roster when the season begins in September. What are the expectations for both of them, who will take the starting job, and does another young goalie in Joel Blomqvist factor into any of this? (0:00) Then, one of the Penguins' 2026 draft picks, Tomas Galvis, signed his entry-level...

We’re about a week away from the 2026-27 NHL schedule release, and rumors are that the Penguins will be center stage! Hunter and Patrick begin the show by discussing the departure of one of the Penguins’ front-office staff members, Vukie Mpfou. (1:45) After getting the assistant GM job in Nashville, who will replace him, and will it be one of Kyle Dubas’s former mates from Toronto? Then, with just about a week to go until we get the 2026-27 schedule, it looks like the Penguins will open the season in Raleigh against the defending champions. (12:50) Finally, Elias Pettersson’s name h...

Kyle Dubas had himself a busy weekend, getting several players signed for the 2026-27 season, including Egor Chinakhov! Patrick and Hunter begin offseason mode by discussing a bunch of contracts signed by the Penguins, including their biggest pending RFA, Egor Chinakhov. The forward signed a three-year, $6.25 million deal, effectively a bridge deal. They break down the terms of the deal as well as what the expectations will be for him this year now that he will have a full season with the Penguins. (0:00) Then, they touch on the re-signings of goaltenders Arturs Silovs and Joel Blomqvist, as well as...

The Penguins wrapped up development camp on Friday, and some prospects stood out during the multi-day camp! Hunter and Patrick close out the week by giving their thoughts on the Penguins’ development camp. (1:20) They talk about some of this year’s draft class and how they looked, some standouts, and more! Then,  a listener asked, “What is the Penguins' and Kyle Dubas’s vision?” (13:20) They dive into that question and try to figure out what, exactly, the Penguins’ medium- and long-term plan is. Finally, it’s the last Friday of daily episodes, so they take some questions and react to some hot tak...

The Penguins had plenty of free agents heading into July 1, so did any of them stay? Hunter and Patrick start the Thursday edition of Locked On Penguins discussing the Penguins’ UFAs who did not re-sign with the team, whether they fit where they’re going, and whether the Penguins could’ve matched the deals they got. (1:15) Then, Anthony Mantha, as of Thursday’s recording, remains unsigned, so where will he end up, and could it be back in Pittsburgh? (13:15) Finally, Alex Ovechkin is running it back for one more year, at least, with the Capitals. They talk about him, Crosby...

The Penguins got NICK Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday and made a few depth free agency signings! Patrick and Hunter begin the Wednesday/free agency edition of Locked On Penguins, breaking down the trade that brought Nick Robertson to the Penguins in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round pick. While everyone is waiting to see what happens with his brother Jason and the Dallas Stars, taking a bet on the soon-to-be 25-year-old isn't the worst idea for Kyle Dubas and the Penguins. (0:00) Then, the Penguins signed two defensemen: Trevor van Riemsdyk and Declan Carlile to two-year contracts as...

Kyle Dubas has suddenly become active in the trade market this week, and after trading Parker Wotherspoon, who plays defense, what is next? Patrick and Hunter begin the show by breaking down the trade with the Vegas Golden Knights that sent Wotherspoon to Vegas in return for Kaedan Korczak. What does Korczak bring to Pittsburgh, why did Dubas target him, and how will he improve the left side of the defense now that his best left defenseman is gone? (0:00) Then, with just about a day to go until free agency opens, who will the Penguins target? Patrick and Hunter...

The Penguins became the team that stood up and drafted the identical twins in the 2026 NHL Draft! Hunter and Patrick start the show talking about the Penguins’ first two picks in the draft, Liam and Markus Ruck, a set of identical twins who lit up the WHL this past season. They give their thoughts on the picks, the expectations for the pair, and the timeline for them to make it to the big club. Then, they take a look at the other four picks the Penguins made over the weekend. While there weren’t a lot of flashy moves or p...