Penguins have a better grasp on forward Radim Zohorna's potential

Mike Sullivan was at a loss for words.

Just over 10 months ago, after Pittsburgh Penguins rookie forward Radim Zohorna scored a brilliant goal in a 5-2 road win against the New York Rangers on April 8, the team’s coach was asked what Zohorna’s potential in the NHL could be.

Sullivan admitted uncertainty.

“I’m not sure, I’m not sure what it is,” Sullivan said after that game. “I’m not sure where his ceiling is at. But I do think that he has the ability to be a good solid player in this league.”

At that time, no one seemed to know what to think of Zohorna. A native of Czechia who had never played in North America before last season, Zohorna was just dipping his toes into NHL waters and filling in holes throughout the lineup whenever injuries called for his presence.

He teased with some spectacular moments, such as the goal he recorded against the Rangers.

But he was still more of a question than an answer at that juncture.

Now, nearly a year after he made his North American debut in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Feb. 8, 2021, Zohorna’s future in the NHL seems to be a bit more defined.

If nothing else, he professed a greater comfort level playing in the NHL than the AHL.

“I feel so much better here (in the NHL) than the AHL,” Zohorna said. “I don’t know why. Every game, I am playing here, I work 100%. I don’t know why, but I feel more comfortable here than in the AHL.”

Just before the Penguins began their All-Star break, Zohorna found a place on the team’s third line in place of injured forward Danton Heinen. Over the past two games, Heinen primarily skated on the left wing with veterans Jeff Carter at center and Evan Rodrigues on the right wing.

This deployment came as something of a surprise.

On Sunday, during warmups prior to a 4-3 home loss to the Los Angeles Kings, Heinen suffered a suspected back injury. That led to something of a scramble for Zohorna to be a part of the game.

“It was right after the warmup,” Zohorna said. “I took off my gear. I went to the gym, and the equipment guys told me I was going (into the lineup). I always have to be ready for this situation, and I try to do my best.”

If nothing else, Zohorna (6-foot-6, 220 pounds) logged the best ice time of his career, clocking 14 minutes, 32 seconds on 22 shifts against the Kings.

“My last game was like two weeks ago,” said Zohorna, who was a healthy scratch for four consecutive games before playing the Kings. “I tried to work hard with the coaches here. Always try to be focused every day, every game. I always have to be ready for this.”

After one year in North America, the 25-year-old appears far more prepared to stake a regular role in the NHL. And his coaches seem to have a better grasp as to what that role can be.

“We think (Zohorna) has a pretty complete game,” Sullivan said. “His pace has improved in his time with us, both in Pittsburgh and (with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton). For a guy that brings the size that he brings, he has great playmaking abilities, he has good hands with the puck, he has good offensive instincts.

“The biggest thing for me is just watching the pace of his game evolve. That, for me, is what is going to allow him to be a consistent NHL player. He’s done a real good job for us. He’s conscientious away from the puck, he’s shown an ability to play well defensively. Then he can play the center position, he can play the wing position. So he’s a versatile player on top of it.

“As far as what we think his upside is in the NHL, with his offensive instincts, he could potentially be a top-nine forward for us consistently.”

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