The first-round pick the Penguins gave up to get Erik Karlsson is top-10 protected in 2024. That's great, but what if they use the pick and are even worse in 2024-25?
Barring a miracle, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas won't be watching his team play in the Stanley Cup playoffs this season. But he will be watching the Carolina Hurricanes quite closely...and cheering for them to make the Cup final.
That way, the Penguins will get Carolina's first-round pick - albeit either 31st or 32nd if they make the final - in 2024. That would help ease the sting of giving up what might be a top-10 pick in the 2024 draft.
When Dubas acquired Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks, part of the package was a first-rounder in 2024 that is top-10 protected. Well, if the season were to end today, the Penguins would be picking in the top 10. So you take the pick this year, right?
Well, what if the Penguins are even worse in 2024-25? Is it outlandish to think the Penguins, given their downward trajectory, might even be a lottery team next season?
Then you're suddenly giving up a pick at the very upper end - perhaps even first overall - in 2025. So does Dubas pay his bill this season, lose a potential top-10 pick and continue the rebuild, or take the prospect and hope disaster doesn't strike next season?
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