The Pittsburgh Penguins have commenced their 2025 Development Camp, which started on July 3 and will continue until July 7. The camp is a crucial step following the draft, where the team focuses on developing its new prospects.
Pittsburgh’s President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas emphasized the importance of drafting good players and effectively developing them. “Obviously, when you’re in our position, you’re accruing picks and prospects – but you have to make good on them,” Dubas stated. He mentioned that after the initial stages, responsibility for player development would shift to Tom Kostopoulos.
Tom Kostopoulos, Director of Player Development for Pittsburgh, outlined the focus areas for the 52 invitees at the camp. These include coachability, competitiveness, and work ethic during both on-ice and off-ice sessions.
Among those attending are several Penguins draft picks as well as undrafted players like Oliver Tulk from the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. Tulk led his team in scoring last season with 100 points and plans to play for the University of Wisconsin next season while aiming for his first professional contract. Reflecting on joining his former teammates Ben Kindel and Tanner Howe at camp, Tulk said it was “awesome to be around them.”
Ben Kindel, who was drafted 11th overall recently in Los Angeles, shared advice he received from Wes Clark, Pittsburgh’s Vice President of Player Personnel: “Wes Clark has been giving me a lot of advice to just stay hungry and never look back.”
The camp also offers a first look at Melvin Fernstrom, acquired from Vancouver as part of a trade earlier this year. Fernstrom impressed with his performance in Sweden’s SHL last season and won Rookie of the Year honors. On joining Pittsburgh, Fernstrom expressed excitement about his development path: “It’s something that not a lot of people get to have.”
Kostopoulos praised Fernstrom’s potential: “I think his shot is elite… His coaches were really impressed with his ability to absorb information.” Despite challenges faced by his previous team, Fernstrom continued improving throughout the season.
