The Penguins on Sunday signed defenseman Chase Pietila to a three-year entry level contract that will begin when Pietila turns pro next season.
Pietila, 21, was the fourth-round pick last summer. He is the fourth member of the 2024 class under contract, joining defenseman Harrison Brunicke (second round), forward Tanner Howe (second round) and defenseman Finn Harding (seventh round).
Pietila is a 6-foot-2, 187-pound right-handed shot. He was a sophomore at Michigan Tech this season, where he led the defensemen with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 36 games. I spoke with Pietila at development camp for this feature, and he named Jacob Trouba as a current NHL defenseman who he tries to emulate.
The Penguins drafted several older prospects last summer who were late bloomers and previously went undrafted. Thus, prospects like Pietila and Harding will turn pro next season, much earlier than the rest of their draft class. It was part of the strategy in accelerating a retool and fast-tracking prospects to the pro level.
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THE ASYLUM
Pietila signs entry-level deal
The Penguins on Sunday signed defenseman Chase Pietila to a three-year entry level contract that will begin when Pietila turns pro next season.
Pietila, 21, was the fourth-round pick last summer. He is the fourth member of the 2024 class under contract, joining defenseman Harrison Brunicke (second round), forward Tanner Howe (second round) and defenseman Finn Harding (seventh round).
Pietila is a 6-foot-2, 187-pound right-handed shot. He was a sophomore at Michigan Tech this season, where he led the defensemen with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 36 games. I spoke with Pietila at development camp for this feature, and he named Jacob Trouba as a current NHL defenseman who he tries to emulate.
The Penguins drafted several older prospects last summer who were late bloomers and previously went undrafted. Thus, prospects like Pietila and Harding will turn pro next season, much earlier than the rest of their draft class. It was part of the strategy in accelerating a retool and fast-tracking prospects to the pro level.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
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