The PensBurgh Top 25 Under 25 countdown for 2024 proceeds with a new addition acquired through unrestricted free agency during this offseason.
Players who graduated and those no longer with the team from last year’s list
Honorable mentions
#25: Raivis Ansons
#24: Kirill Tankov
#23: Isaac Belliveau
#22: Taylor Gauthier
#21: Chase Pietila
#20: Emil Jarventie
#19: Kalle Kangas
#18: Joona Vaisanen
#17: Filip Kral, LHD
Ranking in 2023: N/A
Age: 24 (Born October 20, 1999)
Acquired From: Unrestricted free agency
Height/Weight: 6 feet 2 inches, 198 pounds
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Ranking at No. 17 on our Top-25 list, this player barely secures a spot.
Kral, who will turn 25 in October, is a new addition to the organization. He joined the Penguins as an unrestricted free agent this past summer after spending the 2023-24 season in Finland.
Having spent several years in the Toronto organization, Kral has a connection with Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, which continues the trend of former Toronto players making their way to Pittsburgh.
Kral played primarily with the AHL’s Marlies from the 2020-21 to 2022-23 seasons, during which he had a brief two-game experience in the NHL.
In the AHL, he accumulated 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists) across 92 games over three seasons.
In his two appearances in the NHL during that time, he did not register any points.
After his time in Toronto, Kral had a successful season with the Pelicans in Finland’s top league, where he thrived on the larger ice surface. He concluded the season with 37 points in 46 games, ranking as the fourth-highest scoring defenseman in the league, even while missing 14 games due to injury.
His impressive offensive performance is remarkable, especially considering his admiration for new Penguins teammate Erik Karlsson, as he mentioned in an interview with the Pelicans website. Now, he may have the chance to play alongside him.
Unless there is a trade or an unexpected roster change before training camp starts, it appears likely that Kral will commence the 2024-25 season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he is expected to be the team’s top defenseman. The NHL roster appears quite full with Karlsson, Kris Letang, Marcus Pettersson, Ryan Graves, Matt Grzelcyk, Ryan Shea, and Sebastian Aho all under NHL contracts. He may compete with Shea or Aho for a starting position, but the other five spots seem relatively secure.
The most probable scenario is that he begins in Wilkes-Barre and becomes the first defender called up whenever one of the aforementioned players inevitably faces an injury and needs to be sidelined for a period.
Given his age and experience in North America, it’s unlikely that…
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At this stage in his career, it’s uncertain whether he will solidify his position as a top-pairing or even a top-four defenseman in the NHL. However, he still has the potential to serve as a valuable depth player, fitting into a third-pairing or seventh defenseman role. This is particularly true if he can adapt to a situation that allows him to take on sheltered minutes and leverage his strengths in an offensive capacity.
# PensBurgh Top 25 Under 25: #17 Filip Kral – A New Addition with Promising Potential
Filip Kral is making waves as the #17 player on the PensBurgh Top 25 Under 25 list. As a new addition to the Pittsburgh Penguins, his promising potential and skill set are drawing attention from fans and analysts alike. This article delves into Kral’s background, strengths, and what he brings to the Penguins, while providing insights on why he stands out among his peers.
## Background of Filip Kral
Filip Kral, a Czech-born defenseman, has quickly established himself as a player to watch in the NHL. Born on January 9, 1999, in the city of Krnov, Kral’s journey in hockey began at a young age. His passion for the game and dedication to improving his skills led him through various junior leagues, culminating in a successful run with the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL.
### Junior Career Highlights
– **WHL Career**: Kral played for the Spokane Chiefs, where he showcased his offensive capabilities as a defenseman.
– **International Experience**: He represented the Czech Republic in various international tournaments, gaining invaluable experience against top-tier competition.
## Strengths and Skills
Filip Kral’s playing style is characterized by a blend of offensive instincts and solid defensive play. Here are some of his standout skills:
### Offensive Prowess
– **Skating Ability**: Kral possesses excellent skating skills, allowing him to move swiftly up and down the ice. His agility helps in transitioning from defense to offense seamlessly.
– **Puck Handling**: His ability to control the puck under pressure is commendable, enabling him to make plays and create scoring opportunities.
– **Vision and Passing**: Kral has a keen sense of the game, with the ability to read plays and deliver crisp passes, often leading to successful breakouts.
### Defensive Capabilities
– **Physical Play**: Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 185 lbs, Kral combines size with tenacity, making him a reliable presence on the blue line.
– **Shot Blocker**: His commitment to defense is evident in his willingness to block shots, putting his body on the line to protect his team.
– **Positioning**: Kral’s understanding of defensive positioning allows him to anticipate plays and disrupt opponents effectively.
## Impact on the Penguins
### Immediate Contributions
With Filip Kral joining the Pittsburgh Penguins, fans can expect several immediate benefits:
– **Depth on Defense**: Kral adds much-needed depth to the Penguins’ defensive lineup, providing more options for head coach Mike Sullivan.
– **Power Play Potential**: His offensive skills may make him a valuable asset on the power play, where his ability to shoot and pass can lead to increased scoring chances.
– **Complementary Partner**: Kral’s playing style may complement established defensemen, allowing for better overall team synergy.
### Long-term Outlook
Kral’s potential extends beyond immediate contributions. As he develops within the Penguins system, he may evolve into a cornerstone defenseman, contributing to both the current lineup and future championship aspirations.
## Case Studies: Success Stories of Young Defensemen in the NHL
To understand the potential trajectory of Filip Kral’s career, let’s look at a few successful young defensemen in the NHL who have made significant impacts early in their careers.
### Young Defensemen to Watch
| Player | Age (when drafted) | Current Team | Key Achievements |
|——————|——————–|—————-|—————————————|
| Cale Makar | 19 | Colorado Avalanche | 2021 Norris Trophy Winner |
| Quinn Hughes | 19 | Vancouver Canucks | NHL All-Star, 2020-2021 |
| Miro Heiskanen | 19 | Dallas Stars | NHL All-Star, 2022 |
| Adam Fox | 22 | New York Rangers | 2021 Norris Trophy Winner |
These players illustrate how young defensemen like Kral can quickly adapt and excel at the NHL level, given the right environment and support.
## First-Hand Experience: Insights from Coaches and Teammates
Coaches and teammates often play a crucial role in a player’s development. Filip Kral has already received positive feedback from those who have watched him play.
### Quotes from Coaches
1. **Development Coach**: “Filip has an incredible work ethic. His desire to learn and improve makes him stand out.”
2. **Head Coach**: “His skating ability and puck sense are impressive. We’re excited to see how he fits into our system.”
### Teammate Insights
– **Veteran Defenseman**: “Kral is a smart player. He knows when to jump into the play and when to hold back. It’s refreshing to see such maturity in a young guy.”
## Benefits of Kral’s Addition to the Team
### Enhanced Competitive Edge
– **Improved Defensive Depth**: With players like Kral, the Penguins can manage their defensive pairings more effectively, reducing the risk of injuries.
– **Potential for Growth**: Young players often push established veterans to elevate their game, fostering a competitive environment that benefits the entire team.
### Development Opportunities
– **Mentorship**: Playing alongside seasoned players allows Kral to learn from their experiences, accelerating his development.
– **Increased Playtime**: An opportunity to play significant minutes in key situations will help build Kral’s confidence and skill set.
## Practical Tips for Following Filip Kral’s Journey
For fans eager to track Kral’s progress and contributions to the Penguins, consider these practical tips:
1. **Follow Social Media**: Keep an eye on the Penguins’ official social media channels for updates, highlights, and player interviews.
2. **Watch Games Live**: Attending games or watching them on TV provides the best way to see Kral’s development firsthand.
3. **Engage with Fan Communities**: Join Penguins fan forums or social media groups to discuss Kral’s performance and learn more about the team dynamics.
By staying engaged and informed, fans can appreciate Filip Kral’s journey and potential as he carves out his place in the Penguins’ lineup.
## Conclusion
Filip Kral’s addition to the Pittsburgh Penguins represents a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise. With his blend of offensive skills and defensive reliability, Kral is poised to make an impact in the coming seasons. As he continues to develop within the organization, fans can look forward to exciting contributions and a bright future ahead.
Whether it’s through his swift skating, sharp puck handling, or tenacious defending, Kral has the potential to be a key player in the Penguins’ pursuit of success in the NHL.
