Credit: University of Wisconsin Athletics [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/36eac911-c93c-425f-b192-216ede3a3daf.jpeg] Credit: University of Wisconsin Athletics With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] have their work cut out for them. Since the Penguins have a total of 30 picks over the next three drafts, including 11 this year - which could reduce to 10 if the conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers] defers to 2026 - there will be plenty of opportunity for the Penguins to add impact players [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/we-have-to-stick-to-a-very-concise-plan-and-then-execute-our-butts-off-dubas-clarifies-penguins-summer-plans]. Of their 11 picks in 2025, six of them are in the first three rounds. After the results of the draft lottery [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2025-nhl-draft-lottery-day-announced-how-it-works-and-what-are-the-odds] on May 5, the Penguins will officially select 11th overall, dropping down two spots from where they originally were at ninth. As such, we have compiled a list of potential draft prospects that should fall around the Penguins' selection. We recently profiled center Jake O'Brien [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-jake-obrien], forward Victor Eklund [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-victor-eklund], defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-kashawn-aitcheson], center Brady Martin [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-brady-martin], center Roger McQueen [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-roger-mcqueen], and right wing Justin Carbonneau [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-justin-carboneau]. Next up? Right defenseman Logan Hensler. Penguins Drop Two Slots In NHL Draft, Will Pick 11th Overall [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/366a57c2-9ee2-4792-bdaa-44b0af4efb54.jpeg] Penguins Drop Two Slots In NHL Draft, Will Pick 11th Overall In past draft lotteries, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> have seen their fair share of luck. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-drop-two-slots-in-nhl-draft-will-pick-11th-overall] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOGAN HENSLER Aug 2, 2024; Plymouth, MI, USA; Sweden's forward David Granberg (27) battles for the puck with USA’s Logan Hensler (18) during the third period of the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase at USA Hockey Arena. (Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a3f390bd-1922-431c-91ca-5c828073629f.jpeg] Aug 2, 2024; Plymouth, MI, USA; Sweden's forward David Granberg (27) battles for the puck with USA’s Logan Hensler (18) during the third period of the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase at USA Hockey Arena. (Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images) DOB: Oct. 14, 2006 (Age 18) Position: Defenseman Shoots: Right Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 196 pounds Team: University of Wisconsin (NCAA) In most mock drafts and projections, the defense position isn't particularly deep this year. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some hidden gems right around where the Penguins will be drafting at 11. And Logan Hensler should be one of the names on their wishlist. The right-side defender's stats may not jump out on the scoresheet - he registered just two goals and 12 points in 32 games with the University of Wisconsin Badgers in his rookie season - but he's certainly got all of the tools to become a threat on both sides of the puck. He's got size at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds. He's mobile, agile, and smart with the puck. He defends well, he skates well, and he's good with his stick. Even though there are some question marks around his offensive production, Hensler's defensive game is already quite rounded out, and it's something that should earn him a role at the NHL level as a shutdown defender, at the very least. His gap control, stick work, and ability to get the puck out of danger in the defensive zone are all pluses. Hensler played for Team USA in the World Junior Championship this season alongside Cole Hutson, and the Woodbury, Minn. native notched an assist in seven games leading up to Team USA's gold medal at the event [https://thehockeynews.com/news/freebird-finale-usa-wins-back-to-back-world-juniors-gold-in-ot-over-finland-czechia-wins-bronze]. Even though his name may not be as big as others like potential no. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer, and, even, Kashawn Aitcheson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-draft-prospect-profile-kashawn-aitcheson], Hensler projects as a reliable shutdown defenseman at the least, which is something the Penguins need. And there is potential for a much higher ceiling because of his mobility. There are still ways for him to improve his game in terms of physicality and offensive zone awareness, but nonethless, he's a reliable defender. The only potential trouble with the Penguins selecting Hensler at 11th overall is that he reads as more of a "safe" option. While "safe" isn't necessarily a bad thing, there are other talents around this area that could reap higher reward. While Hensler's floor is low, the chances of him reaching his ceiling - despite all the tools being there - are a bit lower. So, if he is available at 11, the Penguins should consider risk v. reward. 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] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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!
