Ville Koivunen, a 22-year-old Finnish forward, is emerging as a promising prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins, potentially becoming their next "hidden gem" from Finland. Drafted 51st overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021, Koivunen arrived in Pittsburgh as a key piece in the Jake Guentzel trade in March 2024. While the Penguins have a history of successful Finnish players, Koivunen brings a unique skillset that could make him a valuable asset.
Koivunen's journey to the NHL has been marked by consistent development and impressive offensive numbers. During the 2020-21 season, playing as an alternate captain for Oulun Kärpät's junior team, he scored 23 goals and provided 26 assists in 38 games, earning him the league's Rookie of the Year award. He then signed with Kärpät and made his professional debut in the Liiga, Finland's top league. In the 2023-24 season, he tallied 56 points in 59 Liiga games.
Since joining the Penguins organization, Koivunen has continued to impress. He began the 2024-25 season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (WBS), the Penguins' AHL affiliate, where he recorded 21 goals and 34 assists in 62 games. His performance earned him a spot on the AHL All-Rookie Team. In April 2025, Koivunen was recalled to the NHL, making his debut against the Ottawa Senators. He registered his first NHL point, an assist, in a game against the St. Louis Blues.
Koivunen's strengths lie in his hockey sense, playmaking ability, and offensive skills. Jason Spezza, the Penguins' assistant GM, highlighted Koivunen's high-level thinking and ability to manipulate defenders. He is known for his skillful play in the offensive zone, creating opportunities for his teammates and himself. While not the biggest player at 6-foot and 170 pounds, Koivunen compensates with his smarts and playmaking abilities.
The young Finn's development isn't without areas for improvement. Getting stronger and improving his skating speed are key areas of focus as he adapts to the faster, more physical North American game. The Penguins are committed to helping him with this transition.
Koivunen's potential to complement high-usage players makes him a valuable prospect for the Penguins. His Liiga background instilled in him a strong understanding of structure, puck management, and special teams play. These attributes are crucial for a team built around star players.
The Penguins have high hopes for Koivunen, with General Manager Kyle Dubas stating his expectation for Koivunen to compete for a roster spot. His progress and skill set suggest he could become a significant contributor to the Penguins' future. With a focus on youth development, the Penguins are providing Koivunen with the opportunity to prove himself and potentially become their next successful Finnish player.
