Penguins Add 13 Prospects Including Two First-Rounders in NHL Draft

The Pittsburgh Penguins took a surprising approach during the 2025 NHL Draft, securing 13 picks including three first-round selections, but failed to execute any major trades to move up, despite attempts by GM Kyle Dubas. The team surprised many by selecting center Benjamin Kindel 11th overall, a player considered undersized but highly competitive with strong skating and hockey sense, praised by analytics experts despite being ranked lower by scouting services. Dubas emphasized a focus on returning the team to contention as quickly as possible, rather than committing to a prolonged rebuild timeline. The Penguins also traded the 12th overall pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for picks 22 and 31, then maneuvered to move back up to 24th overall, acquiring additional size with picks Bill Zonnon and Will Horcoff. The draft broadcast was noted for its awkward presentation, but the team’s strategy reflects a balance between immediate competitiveness and building a promising prospect pool. Dubas’s moves and the unexpected player choices have sparked discussion about the Penguins’ direction and the potential timeline for their resurgence.