Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Vasily Ponomarev is ready to compete, whether at center or on the wing, as he aims to carve out his spot in the NHL. The 22-year-old Russian forward, known for his versatility, is preparing for his first training camp with the Penguins after an eventful summer both on and off the ice.

Interestingly, Ponomarev spent his offseason pursuing a new hobby: professional go-karting. Back home in Russia, he even participated in some competitive events. “I was a big fan of simulated racing, and I jumped into go-karting. It was similar in some ways. People started asking if I was a pro in Formula One or something,” Ponomarev shared. “I wasn’t bad—I was somewhere in the middle. Maybe next offseason, I’ll try to improve.”

While go-karting offered a fresh challenge, Ponomarev may face an even bigger one in his hockey career: a potential shift to wing. Historically a center, Ponomarev enters camp facing a tough competition for that position, as the Penguins have a wealth of experienced 30-something centers.

“In today’s game, the role of a center has changed,” Ponomarev explained. “A center needs to be able to play anywhere. If I’m asked to play on the wing, I’ll give it my best shot.”

Ponomarev was part of the high-profile trade in March that sent All-Star forward Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. Seen as a key part of the Penguins’ future, Ponomarev is expected to make an impact soon. “We expect him to compete for a spot on the roster next season,” said Kyle Dubas, president of hockey operations for the Penguins.

Selected in the second round (No. 53 overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2020, Ponomarev was set to join the Penguins’ NHL lineup late last season. However, a high ankle sprain in March, while playing for the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, delayed those plans. “I had to cut my season short because of the injury,” Ponomarev said. “It’s part of the job, and you have to get through it.”

To date, Ponomarev’s Penguins career includes four games and one goal with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. This weekend, he’ll have the chance to compete again at the Buffalo Sabres’ Prospect Challenge, facing off against prospects from teams like the Sabres, Bruins, Blue Jackets, Senators, and Devils.

Last season, Ponomarev played for four teams, including a brief NHL stint with the Hurricanes in January, as well as AHL assignments with the Tucson Roadrunners, Chicago Wolves, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. “I probably set a record playing for four teams,” Ponomarev joked.

After a tough season end, Ponomarev is more than ready for a fresh start. “I’m just hungry to play,” he said. “I’ve missed it for a long time, and I’m eager to get back.”

Note: Fellow Penguins prospect Tanner Howe, a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, will not be participating in the Prospect Challenge due to a facial injury. He was spotted missing several teeth.