PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Thursday night is a rarity for the Pens. For the first time in three seasons, barring a late trade, the team will make a first-round pick in the NHL Draft.
Forward Sam Poulin, who played 72 games with 16 goals and 21 assists in the American Hockey League in 2021-22, was the last first rounder. Before that it was Kasperi Kapanen in 2014. It's pretty remarkable when you think about it. The Steelers traded a first-round selection for Minkah Fitzpatrick a couple of years ago and it created a seismic reaction amongst the fan base. They never deal their first-round picks.
The Pens have used draft picks recently to improve the team immediately. General Manager Jim Rutherford saw a core ready to win now and used those picks to help win a couple of championships. Even in the failed deals it was about winning now for this organization with three all-time players in their prime.
Current GM Ron Hextall says he wants to hold onto as many picks as they can to restock their minor league system and help their NHL team get younger. After the first round, the team won't pick again until the fourth round and then one each in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.
We looked at three of the most reputable NHL mock drafts-one had the Pens selecting a left-winger, another a center and the third, a defenseman. There are needs at all positions. Depending on the fit and how it works out in free agency, the likelihood of seeing that player this coming season varies.
Epic picks
The Pens have used the first overall selection in the draft to take a trio of generational players--Mario Lemieux (1984), Marc-Andre Fleury (2003) and Sidney Crosby (2005). Then Evgeni Malkin (2004) and Jordan Staal (2006) when they had the second overall selection. This year they pick 21st overall.
Most recent first round picks
2019 (21st overall)-RW Sam Poulin—currently in the AHL
2014 (22nd overall)-RW Kasperi Kapanen—321 career games, 63 goals, Pens restricted FA
2012 (8th overall)-Derrick Pouliot—213 career games, mainly in AHL in 2021-22
2012 (22nd overall)-D Olli Maatta—534 career games, currently with the LA Kings
2011 (23rd overall)-D Joe Morrow—162 career NHL games, currently in KHL
2010 (20th overall)-RW Beau Bennett—injuries shortened career to 200 NHL games
2009 (30th overall)-D Simon Despres—43 points in 193 career NHL games
2007 (20th overall)-C Angelo Esposito—never played in the NHL
The first round starts Thursday night at 7p with the rest of the draft on Friday beginning at 11a.
