Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Penguins have secured a new addition to their roster by signing defenseman Chase Pietila to a three-year entry-level contract. The announcement was made by the team's President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Kyle Dubas.

Pietila's contract is set to commence in the 2025-26 season and will extend through the 2027-28 campaign. At 21 years old, Pietila spent the previous season as an alternate captain for Michigan Tech in the NCAA. During his time there, he played 36 games, achieving a career-high of seven goals and matching his highest point total of 22 (7 goals and 15 assists). His performance placed him at the top among Michigan Tech defensemen in terms of points, while his average ice time of 26:37 ranked third in the NCAA. Notably, Pietila maintained a seven-game point streak with seven assists, equaling his longest career point streak from the previous season.

Originating from Howell, Michigan, Pietila has played two seasons of collegiate hockey with Michigan Tech from 2023 to 2025, accumulating a total of 44 points (10 goals and 34 assists) over 76 NCAA games. Before joining college hockey, he spent three seasons in the United States Hockey League with Youngstown Phantoms and Lincoln Stars between 2020 and 2023. In 2023, he contributed to Youngstown's success as an alternate captain by winning the USHL Clark Cup Championship.

Chase Pietila was initially drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fourth round as the 111th overall pick during the 2024 NHL Draft.