Back to the Pittsburgh Penguins Newsfeed

One-on-one: Blomqvist gains 'better appreciation' after return from second concussion

This season was supposed to be a breakout year for Penguins goaltending prospect Joel Blomqvist in Finland.

Blomqvist, the Penguins' second-round pick in 2020, finished last season on a high note.

Blomqvist, 21, was a backup last season for his club Karpat. It was his first full season in Finland's top men's league, and he excelled in his role. He posted a 1.32 goals-against average, a .940 save percentage and five shutouts in 20 appearances during the regular season. After Karpat's veteran backup faltered to start the playoffs, Blomqvist took over as his team's No.