Penguins Prospect Proves Kyle Dubas Made the Wrong Decision Demoting Him to the AHL

Last season, Ville Koivunen shot through the ranks of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, as the talented young prospect surprisingly made his way to the NHL, appearing in eight games to end the 2024/25 campaign.

This season, many expected him to take up a permanent role in the team's top-six, with a wing spot next to superstar Evgeni Malkin the most likely landing spot for the talented young 22-year old.

Through two games to start the 2025/26 season, Koivunen had not registered a point for the surprisingly competitive Penguins, and as a result, with the return of Bryan Rust, the team made the decision to demote Koivunen back to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

However, he may not be down there for long, as he made a statement in his season debut with WBS, tallying two assists in a dominant performance as he proves that he's ready to be a full-time NHLer.

In 63 AHL games last season, Koivunen well and truly earned his NHL debut, tallying 21 goals and 56 points in that time, and with the team having some veterans take up key roles, don't be shocked to see Koivunen earn his recall at one of their expense.

Ultimately, Koivunen is an immense talent, and at 22-years of age, he has a very bright future, but after heading back to the AHL and dominating his one game in a 4-1 victory, it's safe to say that he's surpassed that level and needs to be back in the NHL immediately.