Bill Zonnon is not just skating through his first Pittsburgh Penguins camp — he is turning heads at full speed.
Drafted 22nd overall, the Montreal-raised forward brought both energy and poise to the opening days of development camp. With his mix of size, smarts and physicality, he is already looking like a player who belongs.
“It’s a lot of emotions,” Zonnon said, as transcribed by Darrin Martin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”
Zonnon made his mark last season with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, racking up 28 goals and 83 points in 64 games, then leading his team in playoff scoring. But the numbers only tell part of the story. He plays a complete game — one defined by aggressive forechecking, quick decision-making and persistent support in all three zones.
“Defenders retrieving the puck better hurry their play when facing Zonnon,” wrote the Elite Prospects NHL Draft Guide, highlighting his ability to pin opponents along the wall and spark instant offense.
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Built at 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Zonnon does not just bring tools to the Penguins — he knows how to use them.
“Zonnon and scouts have described him as a horse,” noted Pittsburgh Hockey Now, pointing to his strength on the puck and ability to finish chances.
“Getting drafted in the first round is not going to change me as a person or a player,” Zonnon said. “Now the real work has started.”
His game carries the swagger of his childhood hero P.K. Subban, but it is matched with a grounded approach and a clear focus.
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For Zonnon, camp is not about proving he was the pick right — it is about proving he belongs.
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Featured image via Aaron Doster/Imagn Images