The Penguins announced they’ve signed defenseman Daniel Laatsch to a two-year, entry-level contract covering the 2025-26 and 2026-27 campaigns. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Pittsburgh selected Laatsch in the seventh round of the 2021 draft, and they were at risk of losing the 23-year-old’s signing rights if they didn’t agree on an ELC by Aug. 15. The 6’5″ lefty is the second collegiate Pens prospect to sign his entry-level contract in as many days, joining Michigan Tech defender Chase Pietila.
Laatsch, 23, just wrapped up his fourth and final season at Wisconsin. The Badgers lost their Big 10 playoff series against Ohio State last weekend and aren’t expected to garner a berth for the national tournament. Laatsch’s point totals indicate a pure stay-at-home presence, completing his collegiate career with just 6-20–26 in 126 games with a plus-five rating. Injuries limited Laatsch to 22 appearances in 2024-25, logging 2-3–5 with a plus-one rating.
He’s a player the organization’s liked for a while. Pittsburgh director of player development Tom Kostopoulos said last summer they mused signing Laatsch after his junior season but opted to have him return to Wisconsin for his senior campaign. Knocks on Laatsch will consist of his lanky frame for his height (just 183 lbs). While he plays an intelligent defensive game, he does so without crossing the line physically – he recorded just 18 PIMs across four seasons at Wisconsin.
He can report to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton down the stretch on a tryout but is ineligible to make his NHL debut until next season. He’ll be a restricted free agent upon expiry of his deal in the 2027 offseason.
Laatsch was one of five picks Pittsburgh made in the 2021 draft. None have played NHL games yet, and they already relinquished the signing rights to one of the picks (defenseman Ryan McCleary).
6’5” 183 lbs?!?! Someone get this kid some cheeseburgers!
This sounds like a kid that shouldn’t be playing in the NHL regardless of eligibility right now.