The Pittsburgh Penguins are at a crucial juncture in their franchise history. After missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, the team is undergoing a significant transition, moving towards a rebuild while still aiming to remain competitive during Sidney Crosby's tenure. The 2025 NHL Entry Draft presents a pivotal opportunity for General Manager Kyle Dubas to infuse the prospect pool with talent and address key organizational needs. With 11 picks in the upcoming draft, including a potentially high selection at 11th overall, the Penguins are well-positioned to add impactful players to their system.
Draft Strategy and Team Needs
Dubas has emphasized the importance of acquiring assets and prospects to build a sustainable contender. The Penguins' prospect pool is considered to be lacking top-tier talent across all positions, making it essential to draft the best player available, regardless of position, especially with their early picks. However, given the current roster construction and the direction of the team, certain needs may influence their draft decisions.
Defense is an area of particular focus. The Penguins lack a clear top-pairing defenseman in their system, making it plausible that Dubas could select a defenseman with one or both of their potential first-round picks. Several defensemen are projected to be available in the mid-first round, including Kashawn Aitcheson, Radim Mrtka, Cameron Reid, and Jackson Smith. Aitcheson is known for his physicality, while Reid is a puck-moving defenseman with exceptional skating ability. Smith possesses a well-rounded skillset and a large frame. Logan Hensler is another name that has been mentioned as a potential defensive target for the Penguins.
Offensively, the Penguins could benefit from adding a dynamic player with high-end skill and scoring potential. Roger McQueen, a center from the Brandon Wheat Kings, is one such prospect who could be available at pick 11. Despite an injury-hampered season, McQueen possesses a rare combination of size (6-foot-5) and offensive ability. Victor Eklund, a skilled and competitive right-shot winger, is another forward prospect who fits the Dubas mold. Brady Martin, a center with an NHL-ready game, has also been linked to the Penguins in mock drafts. Justin Carbonneau is another forward who has a combination of speed, skill, and vision.
Potential Draft Targets
Based on various mock drafts and prospect rankings, here's a potential breakdown of how the Penguins could approach the 2025 NHL Entry Draft:
The Penguins also possess a second first-round pick that originally belonged to the New York Rangers, but it is top-13 protected and will defer to 2026 if the Rangers pick lands within the top 13. It is widely considered that the 2026 draft class will be deeper and more talented than the 2025 class.
Ultimately, the Penguins' 2025 draft strategy will depend on how the first 10 picks play out and which players are available when their turn comes. Dubas has a track record of valuing skill, hockey sense, and compete level, so it's likely that the Penguins will target players who possess those qualities. With a significant number of picks at their disposal, the Penguins have the opportunity to significantly improve their prospect pool and lay the foundation for future success.
