It was the coolest thing that happened in summer hockey, but it was fun watching Penguins prospect Tristan Broz score a highlight goal in Minnesota’s Da Beauty League earlier this week.
The Penguins are hoping that summer league practice will help Broz continue his positive trajectory. A second-round draft pick in 2021, Broz had a nightmare freshman season at the University of Minnesota in 2021-22. After failing to gain traction with the team and scoring just 11 points in 36 games, Broz made the difficult decision to transfer to Denver. That decision has paid off over the past two seasons, highlighted by the Pioneers’ run to the NCAA Championship this year.
Broz was a key player on that team, scoring not one but two goals in overtime in the NCAA Tournament, a huge honor for a player who needed it.
Broz told the Tribune-Review:
“I think I’ve grown a lot,” said Broz, 21. “When I look back at who I was when I got drafted at 18, I think I was pretty immature. But since I’ve gotten here, I think I’ve matured a lot and gotten bigger. I’ve gained muscle, I’ve gotten bigger. I’ve come a really long way since then. I was just a kid back then.”
When the Penguins drafted the 6-foot-1 Broz, he weighed a lanky 178 pounds. During his final season in Denver, he played at a heavier 190 pounds.
“Ever since I was in high school, I had to force myself to eat a little bit,” Broz said, “but it’s become more natural for me. The biggest thing is pushing myself in the weight room and realizing how big a factor it is. Now I’m starting to notice the weight I’ve put on. I’m more confident in the corners, in the battles and protecting the puck. Now that I’ve put on weight, I’m able to use it more, get inside and use it to my advantage.”
Another advantage is his perseverance.
“He’s been one of our top prospects over the last few years,” Penguins director of player development Tom Kostopoulos said. “He’s been through some adversity and battled through it. He’s very tenacious. Just last season, his production was incredible, he had his ups and downs, but he took a big leap in the second half and then in the (NCAA Tournament). … He seems very engaged in training right now. … It’s great to watch him continue to mature and grow as a player.”
“He’s always had great skills, but you can also see his work ethic and attitude.”
Being patient and growing on and off the ice is something that NHL teams can’t predict. Broz earned himself a second-round spot with his solid play in the USHL, but it took him a while to level up in the NCAA. He still needs to get a few levels up if he’s going to make it to the NHL and stay there.
Based on his production, including last year as a 21-year-old junior, statistical models that track NHL potential based on points scored at lower levels for his age group don’t look all that impressive.
But just getting Broz back on track after a +1 draft debacle in Minnesota is a win in itself.
It also speaks to how important Broz’s AHL debut in 2024-25 will be to his long-term future. Things won’t look much better if Broz, who turns 22 in October, is mediocre or unimpressive as a rookie. Usually, it doesn’t take long for a potential forward with scoring and skill to show he can lead the way in the AHL as a harbinger of future success. Look no further than Connor Sheary, who recorded 20 goals and 45 points in 58 games in his AHL debut at age 22, or Jake Guenzel, who recorded 20 points in 21 AHL games (playoffs and regular season) at age 21.
Broz may have been written off at one point, but he’s full of confidence and momentum as he prepares to go pro. Teams are starting to acquire high draft picks and trade for young players, making the homegrown project even more appealing if he proves productive in the future. Highlights like Broz’s this week in Minnesota show he won’t lack the skill or confidence to be that kind of project for the Penguins.
