Heading into final year of college hockey, Penguins prospect Chase Yoder still proving himself

For 22-year-old forward Chase Yoder, another year at Penguins development camp was another chance to prove the team made the right choice by picking him in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL draft.

“It’s good to get here in front of management, in front of the coaches. I’m trying to put my best foot forward to, obviously, learn some things,” said the 5-foot-11, 188-pound two-way center from Texas. “There’s a lot of great players here. So I like to compete and play with the best.”

It is relatively rare to see a player such as Yoder return for his fifth season at the NCAA level. The covid-19 pandemic giving players an extra year of eligibility can be thanked for that. However, considering the success he has had at Providence College, a fifth year, to him, looks to be the best decision.

“(We have a) great coaching staff, great facilities, and college is college. I’m gonna try to enjoy it this last year,” Yoder said. “We have a good team coming back, so, hopefully, we can win the national championship.”

This past season was Yoder’s best of his career. As the captain of the team, he recorded 20 points (11 goals, 9 assists) in 35 games for Providence. His performance resulted in a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the best NCAA men’s hockey player.

“It’s an honor to be nominated for that. Obviously, it comes down to teammates, too,” Yoder said. “It’s not just me that does the work. I get put in good spots to score goals.”

By the end of next year, Yoder is hoping to receive an NHL contract. If his steady progression rate continues, that could very well be the case. His play at Providence next year likely will be the deciding factor.

Penguins management has been impressed by Yoder. From coaches to front office personnel, the organization believes, if he can produce, he will be happily welcomed to the Penguins.

“His coaches absolutely love him. He’s a leader on and off the ice. He’s a great kid. He was leading the way here (in development camp). He’ll go back to Providence and wear a letter there. We expect him to have a big year and compete for a contract,” said Tom Kostopoulos, Penguins director of player development. “Everyone that knows him is rooting for him to have a big year because of the kid that he is. His play will dictate that.”

Returning as the captain of the Friars, Yoder believes having the letter on his chest is significant to his development. As one of the most experienced college hockey players in the NCAA, leadership is paramount to his character.

“Experiences as a leader, I think that’s a big thing. I think if I want to play at the next level, you got to be a leader,” Yoder said. “You got to be a good person, good teammate. I take pride in that.”

He has increased his point total each year he has played in college (6, 11, 15 and 20 points, respectively). Last year, he also led the Friars in power-play goals, game-winning goals and faceoff wins. Yoder wanted to emphasize how he embodies a model of consistent growth.

“I try to get better every year. I’m going into the offseason with the plan. I think playing to my strengths is a big thing,” Yoder said. “My skating ability to get to the net, I think that’s a huge thing for me, and I’m just gonna try to continue to do that.”

Note: Penguins forward prospects Tanner Howe (second round, 2024) and Brayden Yager (first round, 2023) were among 42 players selected for Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Showcase event, which will be staged July 28 to Aug. 3. Players from this group will be selected for Canada’s entry in the World Junior Championships, which begin in December.