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Penguins Prospect Makes Bold Statement After 'Ugly' Injury
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
Aidan McDonough had a heartbreaking start to the 2024/25 season, but now, the 25-year old is set to bounce back and make his mark in Pittsburgh.
Back in 2019, the Vancouver Canucks used a seventh-round pick on Aidan McDonough, and it's safe to say that his professional career hasn't gone as he would have hoped thus far.
Despite showing promise, McDonough hadn't put it all together, that was until the start of the 2024/25 season where he tallied 10 goals and 16 points in 16 games with the AHL's Vancouver Canucks.
Unfortunately, his season was derailed by a brutal leg injury, and shortly after, the Canucks organization parted ways with the talented 25-year old, leaving his NHL future up in the air.
Aidan McDonough Ready to Bounce Back With Wilkes-Barre Scranton: Eyes Future NHL Role in Pittsburgh
However, he was signed to a free agency deal with the Penguins this off-season, and after a brutal run of luck in 2024/25, he appears ready to bounce back and push for some NHL time in 2025/26 as he addressed in a recent interview.
"Playing against [Wilkes-Barre/Scranton] last year, I really liked the style of play they had. They were fast, aggressive, offensive team. And I think the opportunity to come into an organization that's looking to build and looking to grow, hopefully I establish myself as a player be a part of that future."
Clearly, McDonough is eyeing a key role with the WBS Penguins in the AHL, and if he can replicate his start with Abbotsford from a year ago, the talented winger believes he can take one of the spots up for grabs in Pittsburgh.
Only time will tell if the former seventh-round pick is good enough to play a significant role in the NHL, but after a red-hot start year ago and the brutal process of working his way back from injury, he's not taking it for granted, and is a name that Penguins fans need to keep an eye on.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 25 | 53 ANSWERS Penguins Prospect Makes Bold Statement After 'Ugly' Injury Will Aidan McDonough play in the NHL next season? | ||
| Yes | 18 | 34 % |
| No | 35 | 66 % |
| List of polls | ||