Goaltender Joel Bromqvist made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season. However, he faced challenges adjusting to the NHL pace, finishing with a 4-9-1 record, a 3.81 goals-against average, and an .885 save percentage across 15 games.
Bromqvist showed inconsistency throughout the season but there is optimism for improvement starting in the 2025-26 campaign. As a 2020 second-round draft pick, he has displayed significant potential in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, making a breakthrough with Pittsburgh next year a real possibility.
In the AHL this season, Bromqvist posted an 8-7-3 record with a .914 save percentage and a 2.84 goals-against average over 18 games. This followed a strong 2023-24 performance where he recorded a 2.16 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage over 45 games. Despite promising numbers at the AHL level, his struggle to carry this success into NHL play remains a concern.
Overall, Bromqvist is a promising candidate for a breakout with the Penguins starting in the 2025-26 season. With more experience, he has the potential to elevate his game, making his upcoming seasons particularly intriguing to watch.
Early this offseason, the Penguins traded defensemen Connor Timmins and Isaac Berribaud to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Connor Clifton and a second-round draft pick.
Fan Take: Joel Bromqvist’s development is crucial for the Penguins’ future, and his transition to the NHL could signal a new era for their goaltending. Hockey fans should keep an eye on his progress, as his success could impact team dynamics and competitiveness in the league.