By his own admission, Ville Koivunen did not have an appetizing 2025-26 season. The rookie was expected to be part of a bright new future for the Pittsburgh Penguins. pic.twitter.com/mkybiqpaO9 — NHL (@NHL) December 5, 2025What prompted management to extend such a substantial offer to a player who still offers far more potential than results? Despite Koivunen’s limited offering at the NHL level last season, Penguins management is still buoyant over what he can provide. Despite signing such an ample contract, Koivunen is hardly guaranteed to make the NHL roster on opening night.