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If you’re judging Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins rookie Owen Pickering’s development this season solely based off his offensive statistics, you’re not getting the full picture, according to head coach Kirk MacDonald.
“He’s been outstanding,” MacDonald said. “Anybody who says otherwise is obviously not watching the games.”
Pickering, the Penguins’ first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, began the season with 11 pointless games in the AHL before scoring his first goal in his 12th game of the season Nov. 13.
But as is often the case for first-year players adjusting to hockey at the professional level, improvements and adaptability aren’t measured solely on goals and assists.
“He’s been great. Defends well, does a great job killing penalties; he’s just hitting singles,” MacDonald said. “He does a great job supporting the rush without sacrificing his responsibilities in the defensive end of things.”
Pickering’s steady game and continued improvement earlier this fall saw him get his first NHL callup to Pittsburgh after that third-period goal in November. In fact, Pickering got an extended stay in the NHL. He picked up his first NHL point, an assist, in his debut and recorded his first NHL goal on home ice against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in his sixth NHL game.
In all, Pickering appeared in 25 games with Pittsburgh, getting his first taste of life in the NHL and showing Penguins management a glimpse of what the future may hold for him with continued improvement and development.
Ultimately, Pickering was reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Jan. 25 with the purpose of playing big minutes in the AHL. An increased role and ice time was deemed the best course of action for the 21-year-old’s development.
“(Pickering) was doing a great job up there, but do you want him to be a 10-12 minute a night guy up there? Or do you eventually want him to be a 20-24 minute guy up there,” MacDonald said.
The timing of his arrival back with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton also allowed him to be a last-minute replacement at the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic in Coachella Valley, California, joining teammate Emil Bemstrom for the annual event showcasing the league’s top players.
“I’m just trying to keep maturing my game. Obviously, it’s the best league in the world and where I want to be. It’s a goal for me to get back there and stick, and be an impact player,” Pickering said.
Coming out of the break and heading into a busy month of games in February, it offers an opportunity for Pickering to continue to hone his craft and work toward a return trip to Pittsburgh later this season.
“It’s just the habits every single day and making sure you’re as mature as possible on and off the ice,” Pickering said. “Obviously the standard is set pretty high there, and it’s something you want to strive to follow.”