The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the 2025-26 NHL season aiming to once again be a major contender in the race for the Stanley Cup, backed by the veteran leadership of their captain, Sidney Crosby. The franchise is looking to balance the experience of its established stars with the energy of new talent, including the heir to an Edmonton Oilers legend.
The arrival of a young prospect has sparked excitement for his potential to bring freshness and long-term promise to a team eager to reclaim its contender status. In this context, 18-year-old Will Horcoff has shared his perspective on becoming part of the Pens.
The son of former player Shawn Horcoff, a former Oilers captain who also played for the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks, Will grew up immersed in the professional hockey world. From his own point of view, he explained how that upbringing shaped his personality to share a locker room with Crosby.
Horcoff’s arrival in the NHL
“So far, I’ve lived in four different places. So I’ve been all over. I’ve had to meet new people, so I think that’s helped my personality a lot. I think I’m very outgoing and not afraid to go up and talk to strangers,” Will Horcoff told NHL.com about joining the Penguins.
Horcoff’s story
Horcoff is an 18-year-old prospect developed at the University of Michigan, selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft as the 24th overall pick by the Penguins. His life has been deeply shaped by the elite hockey environment from a young age, accompanying his father through multiple moves and teams.
“His progress in the game from the start of the year to the end, since coming into the program at Michigan, was immense. He’s super athletic at 6-foot-5. He’s still in the early stages of his development,” said Penguins Vice President of Player Personnel Wes Clark.