Penguins First-Rounder Makes Professional Debut
There's a new defenseman on the rise in Pittsburgh.
Pickering Makes His AHL Debut
Owen Pickering, the Pittsburgh Penguins' first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, made his debut on March 31 with the Pens' minor league affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The 19-year-old, who was selected 21st overall, put up 9 goals and 36 assists this season with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL.
Two previous seasons with the Swift Current Broncos showed 11 goals and 31 assists, bringing Pickering's total to 20 goals and 67 assists in 146 games.
Pickering signed a three year, entry-level contract with the Penguins in July of 2022.
The Penguins will likely move on from defenseman Brian Dumoulin when free agency hits this summer, allowing a minor league defenseman to potentially move up should a defensive trade or free agent signing not be made.
Could an NHL debut be in Pickering's near future?
As Read on WBS Penguins - Owen Pickering Reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
| POLL | ||
Will Owen Pickering make his NHL debut next season? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 62.1 % |
| No | 22 | 37.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
