Pens Land "One of the Most Gifted Players in the Draft" with Tristan Broz

Tristan Broz, Pittsburgh's second-round pick (58th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft, is a good old Minnesota boy.

Born and raised in Bloomington, the 18-year-old forward is committed to playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota this fall. That being said, Broz had to laugh when describing his emotions on joining the Penguins.
"It's pretty funny, actually… a lot of people might say this, but I truly have, since I was a little kid, been a big Penguins fan," Broz said. "When I was pretty young, I wanted to root for the team that was winning. And also, obviously, they're just a really fun team to watch.
"I always loved Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. They were two of my role models growing up. It kind of feels a little full circle to be drafted by them, so I'm just super excited and really thankful."
Broz had been watching Day 2 of the virtual NHL Draft from a hotel in Plymouth, Mich., as he is one of 44 players invited by USA Hockey to participate in the upcoming 2021 World Junior Summer Showcase.
It was there that Broz got a call from Penguins general manager Ron Hextall welcoming him to the organization.
"It's been such a whirlwind of emotions the entire day, and I'm just really thankful to the Penguins organization for drafting me," Broz said. "I really didn't have any idea what team was going to take me. I was just hoping to land in a good spot and have a good team draft me, and obviously that happened. So I'm pretty thrilled."

Scouts had Broz, the No. 28-ranked North American skater, rated highly entering the draft. He was also listed as No. 31 overall by ISS Hockey and EliteProspects.com; 38th by TSN's Craig Button; 43rd by TSN's Bob McKenzie; 49th by Dobber Prospects; and 61st by McKeen's Hockey. He had spent the past two-plus seasons with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League, recording 90 points (34G-56A) in 108 games.
"The USHL is one of the leagues that's played all year," Penguins director of player personnel Chris Pryor said. "We had a number of viewings on him from a number of people on our staff, so that was advantageous for us. We felt we knew the player pretty well. That's always good to have, especially with an earlier pick."
Broz actually got the chance to play in Pittsburgh during his time there, participating in the 2019 USHL Fall Classic at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
"When we drove in on our bus, I don't know the roads, but the main bridge that comes right into the city of Pittsburgh - I remember thinking that was one of the coolest things ever," Broz said.
The alternate captain had a career year in 2020-21, leading the team in goals (19), assists (32) and points (51). He finished second in scoring among all USHL players with 11 points (3G-8A) in nine games while leading Fargo to the USHL Clark Cup Final.
"I'd say I'm a pretty skilled, playmaking forward," said Broz, who played mostly center growing up but transitioned more to left wing during his time in Fargo. "I like to use my creativity, my hands and stickhandling ability to set up chances and create offense for my team and my teammates."
Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko is certainly thrilled to have a player of Broz's caliber on his roster for next season.
"Tristan Broz is one of most gifted players in the draft," Motzko said. "He has excellent skills and will bring the crowds to their feet with his ability to make plays. While playing in the USHL, he learned to compete at a high level and bring grit to his game that will make him a complete player."

Broz wants to continue rounding out his game while playing in the NCAA. One of his biggest goals is to add more strength to his 6-foot, 178-pound frame.
"I think over the next few years, the biggest thing for me is just going to be continuing to get in the weight room," Broz said. "Really just kind of grow my body and grow into it. I think Minnesota has a good strength program that can help me do that, so I'm excited."
Patience is always key when it comes to prospects, and Broz certainly has some work ahead of him. But as the Penguins tell their prospects, no matter what path you take, all roads lead to Pittsburgh - and Broz is looking forward to whenever that may be.
"I want to play in the NHL," Broz said. "That's been my dream since I was a little kid. When I'm ready to do that and the Penguins feel I'm ready to do that, then I'm definitely going to take that opportunity."