Mike Sullivan Reveals Why Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen Were Called Up to the Penguins

This season has been a struggle in Pittsburgh for the most part, and late in the season, they've made the decision to bring up both Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen, giving the young stars a chance at the NHL level.

Both have flashed potential at the AHL level this season, and when asked about their promotion, Head Coach Mike Sullivan noted that it was a plan with he and Kyle Dubas to make this move, with both young players clearly earning their spot.

In 60 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season for McGroarty, he has posted a solid 14 goals and 39 points, showing that even in his first game at the professional level, he's been highly impressive.

As for Koivunen, he has posted 55 points in 62 games played in the AHL this season, and now, the former second-round draft pick is shaping up as a potentially key part of the Penguins future around Sidney Crosby.

Sure, this season may be done for Pittsburgh, but they've still got plenty of potential coming through the organization, and with their top 20 and 21 year olds now at the NHL level, we may be looking at a crucial 8 game stretch to end the 2024/25 campaign.

Both will be given the opportunity on the Penguins power play as well, and if they play well, this would set the team up well for great success moving forward beyond 2024/25.