The Pittsburgh Penguins will have plenty of exciting options available with the 14th overall pick.

With the NHL draft order now official, the Pittsburgh Penguins are set to have their highest draft pick in the first round since they acquired the 8th overall pick during the 2012 draft. The lottery pick comes at a crucial time, as the team's pipeline is barren and desperately needs replenished. This particular class is filled with NHL talent, and the Penguins will have a wealth of options available to them at 14th overall. Here are five players to keep an eye out for, as they may and should be on the Pens' radar. 

1. Dalibor Dvorsky, Center , AIK (Sweden-2)

An unlikely, but best-case scenario for the Penguins would be for a player like Dalibor Dvorsky to fall to them at 14. At just 17-years-old, Dvorsky already has an NHL shot, frame, and hockey sense. Playing in Sweden’s second-tier professional league against men much older than him, he put up 14 points in 36 games. His point totals were higher than fellow European players like Jesper Bratt or Andre Burakovsky during their draft years.

It’s unlikely Dvorsky will slip to 14, with plenty of forward hungry teams in front of Pittsburgh likely to snatch him up. If he falls, however, he’d be the best prospect to come to Pittsburgh since Jake Guentzel.

2. Nate Danielson, Center, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

In several mock drafts, the 7th ranked skater by NHL Central Scouting, is being linked to the Penguins. Nate Danielson is a name that Penguins fans will hear often between now and the draft. One of the most well rounded players in the draft, he is a right shot, playmaking center capable of playing big minutes. The Penguins need to find a building block with this selection, and a player like Danielson can provide just that. 

3. Brayden Yager, Center, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

The 11th ranked North American skater in the NHL Central Scouting 2023 Draft Class, Brayden Yager is an ideal selection for the Penguins. Standing just under six feet tall, the right-handed center is a highly skilled, speedy, and loves to shoot the puck. He’s a very different player than Danielson, but he has an engine that doesn’t quit. He’ll need to bulk up and find ways even out his two-way game, but Yager is a very exciting prospect to watch.

4. Gabriel Perreault, Right Wing, USNTDP

Speaking of Guentzel from earlier, there is a one player in the draft this year who stands out due to his similarities to the Penguins forward. Gabriel Perreault is a slightly undersized (5’9) forward who absolutely destroyed the United States National Team Development Program this season, putting up 53 goals and 132 points in just 63 games. Already committed to Boston College, Perreault is an electric offensive player who is destined for a top-six role in whatever organization he is drafted to. The Pens would be thrilled to add a player like him to their prospect pool.

5. Oliver Moore, Center, USNTDP

Another American draft prospect rounds out this list, as center Oliver Moore should be high on the Penguins' wish list. Moore is arguably the best skater in the draft, with excellent edge work and NHL-ready closing speed. He is far from a finished product, but his physical skillset is already promising and enticing. Moore put up 64 points in 53 games with the US development program, and is currently ranked as the 8th skater by NHL Central Scouting. He would add a dimension of speed and skill to the Penguins' organization, something the youth movement in Pittsburgh continues to need. 

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