Five Options for Penguins First Round Pick
The Pittsburgh Penguins must select a high-upside prospect in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are poised to make one of the highest selections in the first round in over a decade. With speculation looming that the Pens may move down in the draft to acquire more assets, they must use their first round pick on a cant miss prospect. Here are five likely options for the Pittsburgh Penguins to take in the 2023 NHL Draft.
1. Brayden Yager - C, Moose Jaw (WHL)
One of the most talented two way centers in all of junior hockey figures to go somewhere between picks 10 and 20, putting him right in play for the Penguins at pick 14. The Penguins already have shown interest, taking him out to dinner during the combine.
Yager brings an exciting and hard working game, with the tools to round out his offensive game. If he puts it together, he could be a second line center in the next few years and maybe play alongside the dynamic duo in their waning years.
Read his full scouting report here.
2. Axel Sandin-Pellikka - D, Skelleftea Jr.
If the Pens want to make a splash and invest in a future top pairing defender, they could select Sandin-Pellikka. The best skating and most offensively gifted defenseman in the bunch, he would add a dynamic element to the Penguins’ defensive prospect pool.
There are some concerns about how he will adapt to the NHL style of play and if he can elevate his defensive abilities, but there is too much talent and upside to pass on if available at number 14.
Read his full scouting report here.
3. Gabe Perreault - Winger, USNTDP
After shattering offensive records with the United States National Development Team this past season, Perreault is a dynamo on offense. If he is available at pick 14, it would be considered surprising by many, given how talented he is.
Watching Perreault as one-third of the USNTDP’s ferocious first line, it’s clear that he has top-line, first power play unit potential. He can do it all with the puck, and he would be the most talented forward prospect to emerge for the Penguins since Jake Guentzel.
Read his full scouting report here.
4. Samuel Honzek - Center/Winger, Vancouver (WHL)
Despite injuries this past season, Honzek stood out as a prototypical forward who will be ready to contribute sooner rather than later. At 6’4 and 200 pounds already, Honzek loves to use his size and be a presence around the net.
Honzek’s stock is scattered leading up to the draft. For some (like this writer) pick 14 feels a bit high, but some pundits and scouts see him as a top 10 prospect. Either way, it’s clear he has the tools and work ethic to be a top six winger in the NHL.
Read his full scouting report here.
5. Calum Ritchie - C, Oshawa (OHL)
Center depth is perhaps the most pressing position of need amongst a variety of positional needs. Drafting a player like Calum Ritchie would give the Penguins a serious building block for the future.
Ritchie is a big, imposing center, who has a well-rounded game in a power forward’s frame. He’s strong, demands the puck, and looks to be a future 25 goal scorer in the NHL.
Read his full scouting report here.
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