Prospect Watch: D’agostino, Wilson among Pens rising prospects in NCAA hockey tournament Field of 16

Prospect Report: – It’s pretty much been a lost season for the Penguins first round pick. Bennett had surgery on December 8th to repair a ruptured tendon in his wrist that he originally injured during practice in October. Bennett has yet to return to the lineup since the December surgery. Coming into this season, there were strong indications that Bennett would likely turn pro following this year but that might be on hold now. Some Season Notes on Bennett: He has recorded 13 points on four goals and nine assists • scored a power-play goal in 3-3 overtime tie vs. Nebraska Omaha (11/19) • recorded five points (2g, 3a) in a four-game point streak from Nov. 12-25 • has committed seven penalties for 25 PIMs..

Scouting Report: – Bennett is the most gifted player in the Penguins system possessing high-end offensive skills and shines at playing with skilled players.

Strengths/Weaknesses: Has great hands and playmaking ability

– A creative player who with excellent vision who uses his linemates really well and looks to get everyone on the ice involved

– While he’s a great playmaker, Bennett has a quick release and gets himself open and to the right areas which has scouts very intrigued about his goal scoring potential.

– Can pick corners extremely well and is impressive with his ability to keep his head up when shooting which is a knock on younger players

Has the skill set where he has that “wow” factor in 1-on-1 plays but from a negative standpoint, gets caught too many times trying to make the fancy 1-on-1 play that won’t work at the NHL level.

– Lacks consistency in tight physical games and scouts contend he can be taken out of a game easily, especially in physical situations

– Has gained over 20 pounds since being drafted by the Penguins and has to continue to bulk up for when he makes the jump to the professional ranks. The Penguins would like him around 210-212 going into next season.

Potential – Has upside of being a top-6 winger and major factor on the power play but has shortcomings in his overall game and must mature as a player (get away from pickup hockey) and become more of a factor in physical type games

Prospect Report: D’agostino leads Cornell with 6 power play goals, and 5 game winning goals. Next Game 3/23 vs Michigan University vs Cornell (18-8-7). The Wolverines and Big Red meet Friday at 9 p.m. The game will be televised live on ESPN Syndication and ESPN3.com

Scouting Report: A high upside puck moving defenseman with good offensive instincts who is effective at joining the rush

Strengths/Weaknesses: Has some Alex Goligoski traits with his skating and puck moving ability

Has gradually improved his poise with the puck in his three years at Cornell, according to scouts

– D’agostino excels on the power play where he leads Cornell in power play points and goals.

While he has high upside offensively, D’agostino is sound defensively and effective at using his long reach and getting his stick in passing lanes

Prospect Report: The surprise of the year for Penguin prospects has been Scott Wilson, the team’s 7th round pick in 2011 who’s been regarded by those close to the school as a freshman phenom in his rookie year at UMass Lowell. Wilson who took home Hockey East rookie of the year honors this week, has 37 points in 35 games played this season. Next Game: 3/23 UMass Lowell vs. Miami (OH) at 6:30 p.m.

Scouting Report: Wilson is a tenacious player who comes at you but has an intriguing skill set, highlighted by excellent speed. What he’s shown at UMass Lowell is that he’s an all around player who can make an impact in all areas from the power play to the penalty kill.