Shocking Name Makes Headlines as Mike Sullivan Unveils Bold New Power Play Lineup

The Penguins have not been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs just yet this season, but as they are 9 points behind the Canadiens for the final spot with just 12 points left available, it is only a matter of time before that day comes.

As such, the organization has already started to shift gears in preparation for the summer, and of course, next season.

Part of this preparation comes in the form of tryouts from the organization's young players.

While the Penguins are a team known for giving their prospects limited opportunities, that is changing right now as several youngsters take on bigger roles for the remainder of the season.

One of those young guns is 2021 2nd round pick Ville Koivunen, who has 55 points in 61 games at the AHL level this season.

He was recently called up by the Penguins and already recorded his first career NHL point with an assist through two games.

Now it appears as though he will take on a bigger role down the stretch as Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan put him on the top powerplay unit at practice this afternoon.

Koivunen has been playing in a second line role with the team in his two games and now appears to be getting the best opportunity of his young career.

That being said, Koivunen is not the only prospect getting such an opportunity.

Former 14th overall pick Rutger McGroarty has also been called up and is performing equally well in his second stint with the penguins this year.

Hopefully both of these prospects will turn into full-time NHLers for the Penguins in the near future.

As the Penguins are one of the oldest teams in the league, they could certainly use a couple of young guys to give them a little more speed and vitality.