Top prospects for Pittsburgh Penguins

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 31 teams from Nov. 16-Dec. 16. Today, the top five prospects for the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to NHL.com.

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1. Sam Poulin, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 21 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2019-20 season:Sherbrooke (QMJHL): 46 GP, 32-45-77
Poulin mostly played left wing for Sherbrooke of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League but also can play right wing. The son of former NHL forward Patrick Poulin has an ability to get to pucks and create offense between the face-off circles.
The 19-year-old is Sherbrooke captain this season.
"We like that Sam is versatile with the potential of being a power forward with his size (6-foot-1, 208 pounds), speed and skill," Penguins assistant general manager Patrik Allvin said. "I think his strength is when he's using his speed to get in on the forecheck, being strong on the puck down low and around the net."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

2. Pierre-Olivier Joseph, D

How acquired:Trade from Arizona Coyotes on June 29, 2019
2019-20 season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 52 GP, 3-14-17
The 21-year-old could start the season in the NHL with a solid training camp. Joseph (6-2, 185) has a high hockey IQ and is a steady offensive contributor, evidenced by his solid professional debut with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League last season following four seasons in the QMJHL with Charlottetown and Drummondville.
"I think he'll benefit from playing another year, or at least starting, down in Wilkes-Barre," Allvin said. "He'll be able to get on the power play, join the rush a little bit more. I think all young players coming in try to feel where they belong in the system and the jump he made from the start of last season to the end was really impressive."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

3. Drew O'Connor, F

How acquired:Signed as undrafted free agent March 10
2019-20 season: Dartmouth (NCAA): 32 GP, 21-12-33
O'Connor signed a two-year, entry-level contract after two seasons at Dartmouth. He was named the Ivy League Player of the Year and was All-Ivy League First Team after leading Dartmouth in goals and points. The 22-year-old is on loan with Manglerud in Norway.
"We're really excited about his game and where he is right now," Allvin said. "He's a good skater for his size (6-3, 200), a powerful guy. We think he can challenge for a roster spot in Pittsburgh this season with his size and presence, his ability to score goals and make plays. He used this offseason to get stronger."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

4. Nathan Legare, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 74 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Baie-Comeau (QMJHL): 61 GP, 35-36-71
The 19-year-old has a shoot-first mentality and can play a fast, tough game away from the puck.
Legare (6-0, 205), the Baie-Comeau captain this season, can play a skilled game and make contributions on a checking line. Pittsburgh traded three draft picks (No. 98, No. 151, No. 207) to Arizona to move up and select Legare in the third round in 2019. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract Sept. 20, 2019.
"He'll work on his two-way game this year, but he showed last year in training camp and in exhibition games that he's able to keep up with the pace," Allvin said. "I don't think his skating is an issue and he's physically ready; it's just learning the daily habits of being a pro, how to train, and prepare yourself.
"I think he definitely has a chance as a [middle-six] forward, with a tremendous shot."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Anthony Angello, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 145 pick in 2014 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Pittsburgh: 8 GP, 1-0-1; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 48 GP, 16-9-25
The 24-year-old, who signed a two-year contract Oct. 10, scored 54 points (32 goals, 22 assists) in 115 AHL games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Since turning professional in 2018-19, no player has scored more goals for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
"He's definitely a guy for which we have high expectations and we want to see him come in here and compete for a spot," Allvin said. "He has the size (6-5, 210), skating, and needs to consistently use that size on the forecheck by protecting the puck and driving the net. I'm excited to see him challenge for a roster spot this upcoming season."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season