The 2026-27 NHL season promises to be an exciting one for the Pittsburgh Penguins, with a host of potential surprise players ready to make their mark. While some names are already household names, others are flying under the radar, waiting to burst onto the scene. Here's a breakdown of some of the players who could be this season's hidden gems.
Declan Carlile: The Rising Star
Declan Carlile is a name that has been gaining traction in the NHL. With only 46 career games under his belt, he is a relatively unknown quantity, but his potential is undeniable. The Penguins have a history of spotting hidden gems, and Carlile could be the next in line for a Wotherspoon-esque glow-up. As one of the few NHL-caliber left defenders in the organization, he has the opportunity to make a significant impact. His underlying metrics suggest he has the potential to be a top-four matchup defender, and if he can slot into that role and handle it well, he could be a major surprise. The challenge is that he has yet to spend a full season in the NHL, but with the right opportunities, he could find himself practicing in September with Erik Karlsson and never looking back.
Hendrix Lapierre: The Underrated Center
Hendrix Lapierre is a player who has been somewhat forgotten in the eyes of many fans. However, he has the potential to be a surprise package. With the ability to play center, a position that is not exactly settled on the team, Lapierre could be a key contributor. While expectations are low, he has already made a positive impact in his career, and there is a chance he could play 60+ games and make a few plays along the way. The bar is not set too high, and as long as he clears the basic expectations, he could be a pleasant surprise for the Penguins.
Nick Robertson: The Producing Winger
Nick Robertson, the younger brother of NHL star, might not be the star player the Penguins were hoping for, but he has proven himself to be a productive player. With 31 goals in the last two seasons, he has figured something out. The Penguins are loaded with scoring-line wingers, but Robertson could be the one to step up and make a significant impact. With the right opportunities, he could score 20 goals and get over 40 points, surprising the fan base and becoming a key player on the squad. It's within reason that he could be the next big thing for the Penguins.
Bill Zonnon: The Rising Star from the AHL
Bill Zonnon, a 20-year-old, is a player who could be a surprise in the 2027-28 season, but why not dream a little? With the Penguins' history of calling up players from the AHL, Zonnon could be the next big thing. He took to the AHL like a fish to water, scoring a goal in each of his first three playoff games. With great wheels, a knack for going to the net, and a center position, he has the potential to make a significant impact. The challenge is that he might not see NHL action in 2026-27, but if he makes a good impression in Wilkes, an NHL look isn't out of the question.
Mikhail Ilyin: The Playmaking Sensation
Mikhail Ilyin is a player who has flashed in the AHL playoffs, with nine points in 15 games. The 21-year-old has a history of being a good point-producer at a young age in the KHL, and his playmaking and hockey IQ are undeniable. While it might be a stretch to expect him to get an opportunity in 2026-27, he could be a surprise package if the conditions are right. Ilyin has the potential to blossom into a good AHL player and make a name for himself, so he's a name to keep in mind as a potential surprise for the Penguins.
