Top 25 Under 25: Best of the rest, 2026 edition
The Pittsburgh Penguins organization is seeing a significant influx of young talent. With 21 unsigned draft picks on the reserve list and another 22 players under contract for the professional ranks, the internal pipeline is deeper than it has been in years. Finding 25 notable names used to be a struggle, but now there are over 40 options that require a closer look.
Because the prospect pool has expanded, we have moved into the honorable mention phase of the annual Top 25 Under 25 series. This snapshot provides a look at the current value and organizational standing of players who are not quite in the top group but show high potential. This year, the list of honorable mentions highlights five individuals pushing for a spot in the future rankings.
Quinn Beauchesne leads this group as a defender who grew significantly last season. His aggressive style and maturing leadership caught the attention of development staff during recent camps. He will continue his progression at Boston College this fall. Atley Calvert also earns a mention after proving his value with 38 points in the American Hockey League last season. His ability to fill in at center and maintain a high work rate makes him a trusted asset for coaching staffs.
Other players to monitor include Gabriel D’Aigle, a highly athletic but young goaltender currently navigating the transition to professional hockey. Kale Dach is an offensive-minded forward heading to Penn State after leading the Calgary Hitmen in points last year. Finally, Travis Hayes continues his development in the Ontario Hockey League, following a path similar to his brother within the organization. While these players missed the main list, their progress through the upcoming season will dictate their standing in future reports.