When we think of the Pittsburgh Penguins we immediately think of names like Crosby, Malkin or Letang. A lot of people know how good the NHL Penguins are but this article is going to cover some of the “Baby Penguins” or prospects we should say. Some are ready to play in the NHL next season and some are only a couple years away from playing with the big boys. Who are the top five prospects in the Penguins system? Let’s take a look down on the farm.

5. Jayson Megna, Right Wing

Megna is from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and he played very well for them and the Penguins this season. He appeared in 36 games for the Penguins last season when he was called up due to a ton of injuries on the bottom six forwards. He didn’t score a lot but he provided a lot of speed for the Penguins. Given the Pens possible salary woes, expect him to be on the team next season.

4. Scott Harrington, Defenseman

Harrington is one of Pittsburgh’s many defensive prospects and has shown a ton of potential. He is one of the best two-way defensemen in the AHL and actually played with Olli Maatta in the OHL. Harrington also has a great chance to make the team next season too due to Olli Maatta’s shoulder surgery that will sideline him four to six months.

3. Brian Dumoulin, Defenseman

Dumoulin came over with Brandon Sutter and a pick for Jordan Staal in the Carolina trade in 2012 and he’s been very good in the AHL as a defensemen. He has a ton of upside and could also make the Penguins team this year. He got called up this year when the whole top four of the Penguins defensive corps was hurt and was a solid contributor in his first NHL stint. He could see significantly more time in Pittsburgh next year.

2. Derrick Pouliot, Defenseman

Pouliot is by far the best defensive prospect the Penguins have. He was voted defenseman of the year this year for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. Unfortunately, he may not make the team this year due to shoulder surgery that could keep him out four to six months. That would put his return date into October or November so he’ll miss all of training camp, which is his best chance to make the team. Pittsburgh will call him up when he gets back to fitness and see how well he can play at the NHL level in case someone gets hurt.

1.Tristan Jarry, Goalie

Jarry is the goaltender of the future for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was awesome in the WHL this season where he won the Memorial Cup with the Edmonton Oil Kings. His record this season is an unbelievable 44-14-3 with a .914 save percentage. Jarry was the Penguin’s 2nd round pick in the 2013 draft. The 19-yeqr old will certainly get a look when the Pens open camp in the fall. He’s still very young but in a year or two he should be between the pipes in Pittsburgh.