2025 defensive draft prospect Kashawn Aitcheson. (Credit: Mike Augello - The Hockey News) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/6bcc0bbd-2c84-4e80-b19f-fe50381c1ac0.jpeg] 2025 defensive draft prospect Kashawn Aitcheson. (Credit: Mike Augello - The Hockey News) The day is finally here. On Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET, the 2025 NHL Entry Draft will begin [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2025-nhl-draft-islanders-canadiens-penguins-hold-pivotal-points-in-round-1]. Team general managers, draft prospects, and fans alike have been preparing for and awaiting this day for a long while, and there is already a ton of buzz around this, potentially, being a very interesting draft. And one of the teams generating the most buzz? Kyle Dubas's Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins]. After the decision by the New York Rangers to give Pittsburgh their 12th overall pick in this year's draft [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-getting-rangers-pick-is-win-win-for-both-sides] - which officially completed the J.T. Miller and Marcus Pettersson trades - the Penguins are slated to select back-to-back at 11th and 12th overall. The team has never selected back-to-back before, and they'll have the opportunity to add two impact players who could play a big part in their future. But, it might not go down the way you think. There are several reports that the Penguins are willing to either trade up in the draft [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/can-the-penguins-trade-up-for-blackhawks-third-overall-pick] or pony up one of those picks for the "right young player," [https://x.com/DarrenDreger/status/1938299507357155626] as per Darren Dreger of TSN. Whatever way they decide to go, they'll be getting two good young players - but, obviously, the door is open for them to draft a game-changer, should they decide to move up. So, with that said, here are two draft scenarios for the Penguins - and who I think they'll select in these scenarios. 2025 NHL Mock Draft: Final First-Round Predictions For Schaefer, Martone And More [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/71c5e1e8-366e-42e3-b4d6-f8269bca0818.webp] 2025 NHL Mock Draft: Final First-Round Predictions For Schaefer, Martone And More The 2025 NHL draft kicks off Friday evening, so it’s time to get in the spirit by conducting the final mock draft of the season. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2025-nhl-mock-draft-final-first-round-predictions-for-schaefer-martone-and-more] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PENGUINS STAND PAT AT 11 AND 12 It should be emphasized that, despite all the buzz around the Penguins, they very well could play it safe and do exactly this. So, what would happen if the Penguins stay put? Truthfully, the odds are that the Penguins are going to get a pair of difference-making players regardless. Names are bound to fall, and I believe one will. Given the alleged focus on centers in this draft class, it's entirely possible that the Penguins could snag Swedish left wing Victor Eklund [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-victor-eklund], who is - arguably - one of the most skilled players in the draft. Eklund registered 19 goals and 31 points for Djurgardens IF of HockeyAllsvenskan last season, and he played alongside top-five draft hopeful Anton Frondell. Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Victor Eklund [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f3a3ec8f-705b-4d94-b204-326711f16e07.jpeg] Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Victor Eklund With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> have their work cut out for them. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-victor-eklund] Drawing comparisons to NHL forwards such as Jesper Bratt and Travis Konecny, the relentless forward would be a very solid choice for the Penguins at 11 - and, seemingly, a very realistic one. As for the 12th overall spot? There's a good chance that spot belongs to defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-kashawn-aitcheson], who the Penguins have had conversations with. The hard-hitting left defender - contrary to popular belief - isn't just known for his meanness, physicality, and shutdown ability. He is also known for his booming shot, ability to aid the transition game, and steady offensive production, as he finished seventh overall in OHL scoring among defensemen with 26 goals and 59 points in 64 games for the Barrie Colts last season. If the Penguins draft back-to-back at 11 and 12 - again - they'll be getting two good players. And they could also be getting a potential high-end forward and a top-four defenseman, which are both things they desperately need in their system. Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn Aitcheson [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c7a500cd-ba0c-49bf-b88f-547318ca5bbf.jpeg] Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn Aitcheson With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> have their work cut out for them. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-kashawn-aitcheson] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PENGUINS TRADE UP, DRAFT THIRD OVERALL It is, perhaps, unwise to read too much into speculation around draft day. Teams purposefully leak things, and misleading narratives are told left and right, to try to throw other teams off in hopes of a given team being able to land who they want. But, as Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects said [https://x.com/Hockey_Robinson/status/1938358374095028232], this year seems to feel a bit different. As mentioned before, there is a lot of talk about the Penguins potentially moving up in the draft in order [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/can-the-penguins-trade-up-for-blackhawks-third-overall-pick] to be able to select an elite talent. Having the Rangers' first-round pick gives them quite a bit more flexibility to do so. And it's something I predict is going to happen. It has been reported that the Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks] - who are currently slated to draft third overall - are trying to take a step this year and are open to dealing that pick for some NHL help. They are also one of the teams rumored to be interested in Penguins' veteran winger Rickard Rakell [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-rumors-4-teams-linked-to-rickard-rakell], who had a career season with 35 goals and 70 points in 2024-25. If you do the math, it's not all that difficult to see a package from the Penguins involving Rakell and their 11th overall pick to Chicago for their top-three pick. Can The Penguins Trade Up For Blackhawks' Third Overall Pick? [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c8040a32-070e-4871-a3db-b4e7d13db921.webp] Can The Penguins Trade Up For Blackhawks' Third Overall Pick? It has been rumored that the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> would like to trade up in the 2025 NHL Draft. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/can-the-penguins-trade-up-for-blackhawks-third-overall-pick] It's possible that more would have to be involved to get a deal across the finish line, but - given that the Penguins would still have that 12th overall selection and that they're in the midst of a rebuild - a move like this certainly makes sense. And it will be one of the biggest storylines to watch out for on Friday. If the Penguins do bump up to third overall, I think their guy is Frondell. Frondell has steadily climbed the draft board after his season with Djurgardens IF - alongside Eklund - that saw him put up 11 goals and 25 points in 29 games. He was putting up such numbers after a slow start and as a 17-year-old in HockeyAllsvenskan, and this was just one season after registering 18 goals and 39 points in 29 games as part of J20 Nationell in 2023-24 - again, dominating despite his young age. He is also projected as an elite two-way centerman, which is something that certainly excites NHL clubs. It will be interesting to see whether or not the Penguins do move up - and, if they do, how far they are interested in moving up. Dubas is known to be enamored with right wing Porter Martone [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-porter-martone] as well, so it's possible that Pittsburgh could look to even just move up a handful of spots in order to land him. Regardless, things should be interesting. And I do think they will try to move up. NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins Have Prime Target In Utah Forward [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/4d0488af-4b5d-47c3-95cc-f2942c3baa50.webp] NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins Have Prime Target In Utah Forward The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> are currently retooling their roster. While there certainly is a chance that they could end up trading away some of their key players before the off-season is done, they also should not be afraid to acquire players who could help them in the long term. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/nhl-trade-rumors-penguins-have-prime-target-in-utah-forward] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINAL FIRST-ROUND PREDICTIONS Here are my final predictions for the first-round draft order on Friday: 1. D Matthew Schaefer - New York Islanders 2. C Michael Misa - San Jose Sharks 3. C Anton Frondell - Pittsburgh Penguins (traded by Chicago Blackhawks on draft day) 4. C James Hagens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-james-hagens] - Utah Hockey Club 5. RW Porter Martone [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-porter-martone] - Nashville Predators 6. C Caleb DeSnoyers - Philadelphia Flyers 7. C Brady Martin [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-brady-martin] - Boston Bruins 8. D Radim Mrtka [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-radim-mrtka] - Seattle Kraken 9. C Jake O'Brien [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-jake-obrien] - Buffalo Sabres 10. C Roger McQueen [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-roger-mcqueen] - Anaheim Ducks 11. LW Victor Eklund [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-victor-eklund] - Chicago Blackhawks (traded by Pittsburgh Penguins on draft day) 12. D Kashawn Aitcheson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-kashawn-aitcheson] - Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers) 13. C Justin Carbonneau [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-justin-carboneau] - Detroit Red Wings 14. D Jackson Smith [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-jackson-smith] - Columbus Blue Jackets 15. LW Carter Bear - Vancouver Canucks Five NHL Draft Comparables: Will We See The Next Hughes, Hischier, Bennett, Getzlaf And Jarvis? [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d70e494b-0d2f-415c-ac67-d4a245709ad4.webp] Five NHL Draft Comparables: Will We See The Next Hughes, Hischier, Bennett, Getzlaf And Jarvis? With the 2025 NHL draft quickly approaching, teams around the league are finalizing their draft boards in hopes of landing the best young talent from around the hockey world. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/five-nhl-draft-comparables-will-we-see-the-next-hughes-hischier-bennett-getzlaf-and-jarvis] 16. C Cole Reschny - Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary) 17. D Logan Hensler [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-logan-hensler] - Montreal Canadiens 18. C Braeden Cootes - Calgary Flames (from New Jersey) 19. LW Lynden Lakovic - St. Louis Blues 20. RW Malcolm Spence - Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota) 21. C Jack Nesbitt - Ottawa Senators 22. D Blake Fiddler - Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado) 23. C Ivan Ryabkin - Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay) 24. C Cullen Potter - Los Angeles Kings 25. RW Alexander Zharovsky - Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto) 26. G Joshua Ravensbergen - Nashville Predators (from Vegas via San Jose) 27. C Eric Nilson - Washington Capitals 28. D Sascha Boumedienne - Winnipeg Jets 29. RW Daniil Prokhorov - Carolina Hurricanes 30. D Cameron Reid - San Jose Sharks (from Dallas) 31. C Cole McKinney - Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton) 32. RW Ryker Lee - Calgary Flames (from Florida) Get your hands on The Hockey News' Draft Preview Issue today by clicking here. [https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/683997?_gl=1*1o8nz68*_ga*NzE5ODEzODI5LjE3NDYzMjY0MzY.*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NTEwMzQ4MDAkbzIwNyRnMSR0MTc1MTAzNzMxNyRqNDEkbDAkaDA.] 2025 NHL Draft: Islanders, Canadiens, Penguins Hold Pivotal Points In Round 1 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/65645f36-d1fa-45c4-9521-752036cedecb.webp] 2025 NHL Draft: Islanders, Canadiens, Penguins Hold Pivotal Points In Round 1 Every NHL draft, there are pivot points that affect what happens next. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2025-nhl-draft-islanders-canadiens-penguins-hold-pivotal-points-in-round-1] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwquDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more! Feature image credit: Michael Augello-The Hockey News
