The 2016 NHL Entry Draft took place on June 24–25, 2016, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The Pittsburgh Penguins, fresh off their 2016 Stanley Cup victory, entered the draft with six selections after trading their first-round pick to the Anaheim Ducks. While expectations were high that at least one of these picks would develop into a mainstay within the organization, that vision ultimately did not materialize. As of 2025, none of the players drafted in 2016 remain with the Penguins. Here's a look at where those players are now:

Filip Gustavsson (Round 2, 55th Overall)

The Penguins' first pick in 2016 was Swedish goaltender Filip Gustavsson. Despite being drafted by Pittsburgh, Gustavsson never played for the team. On February 23, 2018, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators in a three-team deal involving the Vegas Golden Knights. Gustavsson spent five seasons within the Senators' organization, playing in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL. After struggling to find a permanent NHL role, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he has found success, posting a .913 save percentage and a 2.67 goals-against average over five NHL seasons. The 27-year-old is currently in the final season of a three-year, $3.75 million contract with the Wild.

Kasper Bjorkqvist (Round 2, 61st Overall)

Drafted just a few picks after Gustavsson, Kasper Bjorkqvist's time with the Penguins organization was short. The Finnish right winger played only five NHL games for Pittsburgh, spending most of his time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (WBS) in the AHL. In 65 AHL games, he recorded a modest stat line.

Connor Hall (Round 3, 77th Overall)

The Penguins acquired this pick by trading Beau Bennett to the New Jersey Devils. Connor Hall, a defenseman from the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), was the selection.

Ryan Jones (Round 4, 121st Overall)

With their fourth pick, the Penguins selected Ryan Jones from the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Niclas Almari (Round 5, 151st Overall)

The Penguins went back to Finland for their fifth pick, selecting Niclas Almari from Jokerit Jrs.

Joe Masonius (Round 6, 181st Overall)

Joe Masonius, a defenseman from the University of Connecticut (H-East), was the Penguins' final pick in the 2016 draft.

Where are they now?

While none of the 2016 draft picks are currently with the Penguins, Gustavsson has carved out a solid NHL career with the Minnesota Wild. The other players have taken different paths, with some playing in other leagues or no longer playing professionally. It is worth noting that draft success is not guaranteed, and many factors can influence a player's development and career trajectory.

Penguins' Current Prospect Pool

Looking ahead, the Penguins have been working to bolster their prospect pool. Some of their top prospects include Rutger McGroarty, Ville Koivunen, and Sergei Murashov. McGroarty, in particular, is seen as a potential top-line player with a combination of skill and physicality. The Penguins also have high hopes for Harrison Brunicke, a right-handed defenseman with a well-rounded game. These players, along with others in the system, represent the future of the Penguins and offer hope for sustained success.