Penguins Rookies McGroarty, Koivunen Shine in NHL Debut

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to draw excitement from their young talent, as rookies Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen made their NHL debuts in a recent game against the Ottawa Senators. The call-up came on March 29, 2025, after Wilkes-Barre/Scranton clinched a spot in the Calder Cup playoffs. Both players showcased their skills with some promising performances against stiff competition.

McGroarty and Koivunen were thrust immediately into the top six, with McGroarty playing alongside captain Sidney Crosby. Their presence injected energy into the lineup, leading to a 1-0 victory over Ottawa, a playoff contender. Head Coach Mike Sullivan expressed enthusiasm for the call-ups, stating, “These two guys are a big reason why Wilkes has had the success that it’s enjoyed. They’ve been pretty impactful.”

McGroarty, who turns 21 on Sunday, previously played three games with the Penguins earlier this season. “It’s a good birthday present,” he remarked with a grin. Koivunen, set to turn 22 in June, has been lauded for his work ethic and competitiveness, qualities that have contributed to his success this season.

Statistically, McGroarty played 16 minutes at even strength, helping the Penguins out-attempt the Senators two-to-one while experiencing a scoring opportunity with five shot attempts and two high-danger chances. Koivunen also made his mark, contributing significantly within his 15 minutes of play.

In the lead-up to their NHL debut, McGroarty was on a hot streak, leading Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with 39 points in 60 AHL games, while Koivunen ranked sixth in AHL scoring with 55 points. “He’s been close to a point-of-game pace since Thanksgiving,” WBS head coach Kirk MacDonald noted. “His overall 200-foot game has just grown a lot.”

The upcoming week presents a major test for the young players, as the Penguins face the formidable St. Louis Blues, who have won nine consecutive games, and then head to Dallas to meet another playoff contender. Speaking on the challenges ahead, Sullivan reflected, “It’s important to reward guys for effort and performance. They bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm.”

Crosby offered encouragement to his younger teammates, advising them to “trust your instincts and continue to learn with each and every game.” Both McGroarty and Koivunen will have ample opportunity to prove themselves against elite competition, potentially solidifying their roles heading into the next season.