PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – On the day he agreed to a new contract, Kris Letang got a new fan and future teammate. Defenseman Owen Pickering was trying to wrap his head around where he came from to now being the Pens first, first round pick since 2019.
"Can't really describe it," Pickering said of Thursday night going 21st overall in the NHL Draft. "Best feeling in the world. It was pretty cool, especially to have Kris Letang announce it."
Pickering said he really more of a Travis Sanheim and Miro Heiskanen fan, but now would have to be one of Letang.
It's been a quick rise to first round talent, Pickering wasn't a high prospect at this time last July. Two years ago, picked in the ninth round in his Bantam League as a 5'7", skinny defenseman.
"If you would have told me a year ago I would be in this position, I would have told you we were a little crazy," Pickering said. "That's not to say I don't have confidence in myself, it's just that it happened pretty fast. I kind of grew, got stronger, put in some good situations in the lineup and took advantage. I definitely feel like I earned it and I'm proud of it."
Pickering played in 23 games his first year in the Western Hockey League scoring a pair of goals with seven assists. He totaled 33 points last season with nine goals in 62 games against with the Swift Current Broncos.
"I believe the strengths in my game are my skating and hockey sense as well as puck skills," Pickering said. "I would like to work on physical strength. I feel like it's the natural path of filling out."
While working on his strength, he wasn't shy about being as physical as his 18-year-old frame would allow. He also has good mobility and vision and it's believed his scoring and play-making will improve with more experience and muscle.
"I don't lack the competitiveness one bit," Pickering said. "I feel like right now, it's a little bit difficult being 180 pounds. If you look at the start of the year to the end of the year, that part of my game developed a lot. I think it will take another step next year."
He's not limiting himself, saying that step could be with the Penguins in October. That is his mindset right now, to play in the NHL in the Fall.
It's not likely. He has ice and gym work to do and the Pens have their defensive unit already signed for 2022-23. Given how quick he's come in one year, it will be interesting to see where he'll be by this time next year.
