The Penguins on Wednesday signed forward Aidan McDonough to a one-year AHL contract for next season.
McDonough, 25, is a third-year pro who was originally the Canucks' seventh-round pick in 2019. He made his NHL debut immediately after the conclusion of his senior season at Northeastern University, skating in six games with the Canucks and scoring his first NHL goal. He spent the entirety of his first full pro season in 2023-24 in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he recorded 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) in 58 games.
The Canucks let McDonough walk in free agency last summer and he signed a one-year deal with the Charlotte Checkers, but suffered a leg injury during a fight in November. He began skating again in February, but suffered a setback in his recovery that ended his season. His season was limited to just 16 games, during which he scored 10 goals and six assists.
McDonough is a low-risk, potential-reward signing. He's played NHL games before, and showed well in Charlotte last season before his injury. If he picks up where he left off, he's an interesting addition to the prospect pool. If not, then it's only a one-year AHL deal.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
Taylor Haase
3:32 pm - 07.02.2025DowntownMcDonough added on AHL deal
The Penguins on Wednesday signed forward Aidan McDonough to a one-year AHL contract for next season.
McDonough, 25, is a third-year pro who was originally the Canucks' seventh-round pick in 2019. He made his NHL debut immediately after the conclusion of his senior season at Northeastern University, skating in six games with the Canucks and scoring his first NHL goal. He spent the entirety of his first full pro season in 2023-24 in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he recorded 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) in 58 games.
The Canucks let McDonough walk in free agency last summer and he signed a one-year deal with the Charlotte Checkers, but suffered a leg injury during a fight in November. He began skating again in February, but suffered a setback in his recovery that ended his season. His season was limited to just 16 games, during which he scored 10 goals and six assists.
McDonough is a low-risk, potential-reward signing. He's played NHL games before, and showed well in Charlotte last season before his injury. If he picks up where he left off, he's an interesting addition to the prospect pool. If not, then it's only a one-year AHL deal.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!