Pittsburgh Penguins Defensive Prospect Receives a Great Honor

A Pittsburgh Penguins prospect was tabbed to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) All-Rookie Team, and the league announced it on March 11.

Joona Vaisanen was one of seven players who were selected after an outstanding blue-line campaign. He led all rookie defensemen with 17 points, tallying three goals and 14 assists in 24 conference games.

Vaisanen led the league with a +17 rating, along with 14 blocks. Vaisanen was selected by the Penguins in round 6 of the 2024 NHL entry draft, and the organization has high expectations of him after this accolade.

Before the winter break, the Finnish defenseman had three assists in separate games. However, he was better in the latter half of the season and registered 14 points, with three goals and 11 assists.

In Miami and North Dakota sweeps, the Penguins draft pick recorded four assists, his first multi-point game. He then recorded his first two-goal game in a victory over Omaha, sealing the win with an overtime game-winner.

To conclude the regular season, Vaisanen tallied four points in his last four games, registering one goal and three assists to help his team win its inaugural Penrose Cup.

Through 34 contests, he has registered 22 points (four goals, 18 assists), holds a +18 rating, and has 27 blocked shots.

Vaisanen and the Broncos will play St. Cloud State this weekend in the NCHC Quarterfinals. The best-of-three series begins Friday night at 7 PM at Lawson Arena.