Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

With more talent in the system than Pittsburgh has had in years – and 13 picks in the 2025 NHL Draft – top prospects lists are becoming more competitive and more difficult to discern. Since the prospect pool is deepening, The Hockey News – Pittsburgh Penguins takes a look at the top-20 prospects in the organization. 

Next up? No. 13, where we take a look at an older forward prospect getting his second shot in the organization after an impressive Swedish Hockey League (SHL) season last year: Filip Hallander.

#13: F Filip Hallander

Since he is already 25 years old, Hallander needs to prove he belongs with the Penguins more urgently than a lot of others on this list. And, arguably, he doesn't qualify as a true "prospect." But, for our intents and purposes, he does, as he only played in three NHL games and – aside from his time in the SHL – has only ever played in the Penguins' organization.

He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the second round (58th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, and he had a generally average stint in the organization from 2021-23, registering 25 goals and 61 points in 104 AHL games and no points in three NHL games. 

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: First-Round Pick Has Middle-Six UpsideHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

He departed for the SHL for the next two seasons, and that's really where he broke out. His first season was resemblant of those in WBS, but last season, he put up 26 goals and 53 points in 51 games for Timra IK, earning him SHL Forward of the Year honors. He also broke the Timra IK single-season record for points that was previously held by former Detroit Red Wing Henrik Zetterberg, which he set in 2004-05 with 50 points.

And although Hallander has always been somewhat known for his all-around play, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward really nailed down the details of his two-way game in those two SHL seasons as well. His performance earned him a second chance and a two-year contract with the Penguins' organization this offseason.

Quite honestly? It's difficult to project a floor and a ceiling for Hallander because of his all-around game. His positional and situational versatility make him a valuable asset, as he plays center and the wing and can be deployed in all situations. Realistically, his floor should be a relatively safe one, as he should be an effective bottom-sixer at the NHL level. 

But his ceiling is another story. His two-way game already brings a lot of value, but he has grown into his offensive game as well. He drives the net, is cerebral, forechecks well, passes and shoots with precision, and has higher-end skating ability. He has an offensive toolset that would serve a middle-six role well.

The main thing working against Hallander – again – is his age. But he has a pretty decent chance of making the NHL roster out of training camp, and if he does, fans should expect a reliable two-way contributor who could potentially blossom into a top-six role if his offensive game continues to grow.

Sleep on Hallander at your peril. He is certainly one of the organizational dark horses who could become a solid NHL player.

The list so far:

– No. 14: F Bill Zonnon
– No. 15: F Melvin Fernstrom
– No. 16: D Emil Pieniniemi
– No. 17: F Avery Hayes
– No. 18: F Cruz Lucius
– No. 19: D Finn Harding
– No. 20: D Peyton Kettles

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2025: Young Swedish Forward Has IntrigueHeading into the 2025-26 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shifted the focus to youth and development.

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