2025 NHL Draft

[Daniel]

Tankathon has a couple of interesting picks for the Penguins in their latest mock draft.

Caleb Desnoyers & Logan Hensler

Desnoyers is compared to Sean Couturier and Jonathan Huberdeau and might be a nice 2nd line center.

Hensler is a RH defenseman who already has decent NHL size at 6'2" 196 pounds.

Thoughts?

https://www.tankathon.com/nhl/mock_draft

[Pens4Life]

I see McQueen at 5th pick for Pens actually.. any of those 3 would be solid for future

[thehockeyguru]

I see McQueen at 5th pick for Pens actually.. any of those 3 would be solid for future

If we are at #5 I could see Frondell

[pens_CT]

I see McQueen at 5th pick for Pens actually.. any of those 3 would be solid for future

McQueen has missed most of the season with an injury. I've seen it's been reported to be a back injury. If that is true, then I would stay far away from drafting him.

[FLPensFan]

I like this guys highlight videos. No talk, just highlights:

Desnoyers:


Frondell:


Misa:


McQueen:


My first preference, if we were to draft 5th, is that someone goes off board and Misa falls to #5. He's the guy that I would most like to draft. If Shaefer, Hagens, Misa, and Martone went in the top 4, I'd probably want McQueen or Frondell.

I like Desnoyers, but, he's definitely in the next tier. Watch Desnoyers highlights, then watch Misa or McQueen. A lot of Desnoyers goals are coming from distance, while Misa and McQueen are getting much more of their goals in tight. That's not to say Desnoyers doesn't do that too, but, Misa and McQueen seem to have a much stronger ability to drive to the net. With McQueen there is some concern/risk because he had a back injury, a pars fracture in his spine. He's set to return to play in the next week, but, this doesn't sound like a long-term injury type of concern. It was not a disc issue as many speculated.

Hensler seems to have fallen off in many scouting reports. I looked at him early on in the year when I expected the Penguins to be drafting around 10-13. He is currently not listed in The Athletic's top 25. He's 25th on EliteProspects rankings. He's 13th on Sportsnet rankings. He's 25th on TSN (Craig Button) rankings and 11th in TSN (Bob McKenzie) rankings. Seems like he'd be a big stretch to take in the top 10 at this point. November/December, I think he was consistently in that 10-15 area.

Misa, or one of Frondell/McQueen would be my preference, probably Frondell.

[Daniel]

I like this guys highlight videos. No talk, just highlights:

Desnoyers:


Frondell:


Misa:


McQueen:


My first preference, if we were to draft 5th, is that someone goes off board and Misa falls to #5. He's the guy that I would most like to draft. If Shaefer, Hagens, Misa, and Martone went in the top 4, I'd probably want McQueen or Frondell.

I like Desnoyers, but, he's definitely in the next tier. Watch Desnoyers highlights, then watch Misa or McQueen. A lot of Desnoyers goals are coming from distance, while Misa and McQueen are getting much more of their goals in tight. That's not to say Desnoyers doesn't do that too, but, Misa and McQueen seem to have a much stronger ability to drive to the net. With McQueen there is some concern/risk because he had a back injury, a pars fracture in his spine. He's set to return to play in the next week, but, this doesn't sound like a long-term injury type of concern. It was not a disc issue as many speculated.

Hensler seems to have fallen off in many scouting reports. I looked at him early on in the year when I expected the Penguins to be drafting around 10-13. He is currently not listed in The Athletic's top 25. He's 25th on EliteProspects rankings. He's 13th on Sportsnet rankings. He's 25th on TSN (Craig Button) rankings and 11th in TSN (Bob McKenzie) rankings. Seems like he'd be a big stretch to take in the top 10 at this point. November/December, I think he was consistently in that 10-15 area.

Misa, or one of Frondell/McQueen would be my preference, probably Frondell.

I think a top #1 or 2 center would be the best option over McQueen. Frondell and Desnoyers read to be very similar so can't go wrong either way. Not sure if there is a top line center in this years draft except maybe Misa. Not sure about Hagens, he seems a little small compared to the other 3 guys.

[Michael74]

All things being equal we most certainly need to go for a Center! You win down the middle in this league, absolutely should make drafting a Center a top priority.

[Michael74]

I see McQueen at 5th pick for Pens actually.. any of those 3 would be solid for future

McQueen has missed most of the season with an injury. I've seen it's been reported to be a back injury. If that is true, then I would stay far away from drafting him.

We can't afford to have question marks right of the bat drafting so high. If this is any sort of question hard pass!

[Michael74]

McQueen is pretty slick there. Lets just hope Kyle nails that pick. It's so important.

[pronovost19]

Wow. At 6’5” McQueen can really skate. He is quite impressive.

[Puck-Lurker]

Whatever the picks in the 1st round might be, let's agree to keep them and draft some guys.

Tired of trading 1st rounders and watch disappointment on the ice.

Karlsson.
Kapanen.
Brassard.
Reaves.

I might add Zucker too, half the time injured or underperforming. When he was on, he was on, though. And Reaves never fit in with Sullivan.

We only kept the picks that drafted Poulin, Pickering, Yager. Poulin is not going to make the jump up, I think. Yager we straight up swapped for McGroarty, who looks like he'll come to the NHL in the foreseeable future.

Pickering is already better than most guys we have on the left side, but might need a place to grow outside of the mess that is Pittsburgh. Read: he might need to play with MacDonald instead.


No.. keep them picks and get some hits. DON'T add a pack of 30 year old nobodies. If Dubas can unload one of Acciari or Heinen without costing us, trade maybe Rakell, one or both Grz and Beau... we'd be in a very accelerated rebuilding process. Just add on picks and quality prospects. Sign some dudes to a 1 year deal to half-fill the roster, rely on guys in camp to come up to fill it entirely. We would suck that year. But we suck right now anyway and it'll jumpstart some player development.

Just.. no more dumb signings of old geezers that DON'T DO ANYTHING!

[Daniel]

I see McQueen at 5th pick for Pens actually.. any of those 3 would be solid for future

McQueen has missed most of the season with an injury. I've seen it's been reported to be a back injury. If that is true, then I would stay far away from drafting him.

We can't afford to have question marks right of the bat drafting so high. If this is any sort of question hard pass!

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

[Michael74]

I see McQueen at 5th pick for Pens actually.. any of those 3 would be solid for future

McQueen has missed most of the season with an injury. I've seen it's been reported to be a back injury. If that is true, then I would stay far away from drafting him.

We can't afford to have question marks right of the bat drafting so high. If this is any sort of question hard pass!

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

[FLPensFan]

I see McQueen at 5th pick for Pens actually.. any of those 3 would be solid for future

McQueen has missed most of the season with an injury. I've seen it's been reported to be a back injury. If that is true, then I would stay far away from drafting him.

We can't afford to have question marks right of the bat drafting so high. If this is any sort of question hard pass!

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

[Michael74]

McQueen has missed most of the season with an injury. I've seen it's been reported to be a back injury. If that is true, then I would stay far away from drafting him.

We can't afford to have question marks right of the bat drafting so high. If this is any sort of question hard pass!

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

So, you essentially are suggesting we pick twice in the Top eight?

So, maybe 5th or 6th OOA and then move up to take a chance on McQueen? And if so what are you giving up to realistically facilitate it? Obviously not our '26 1st.

[FLPensFan]

We can't afford to have question marks right of the bat drafting so high. If this is any sort of question hard pass!

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

So, you essentially are suggesting we pick twice in the Top eight?

So, maybe 5th or 6th OOA and then move up to take a chance on McQueen? And if so what are you giving up to realistically facilitate it? Obviously not our '26 1st.

It's an idea, but not saying it must be done or should the prime objective. Main thing is, if McQueen slips into 6-10 spot in the draft AND the Penguins get the Rangers pick this year...it is worth considering.

What would the cost be? Well, let's say that McQueen is still sitting there at 8th overall, and Philadelphia owns the 8th overall pick as they do right now. Philly actually has 3 1st round picks right now. Let's also imagine the Penguins get the Rangers pick this year, and it is the 14th overall pick. What would it cost, in draft capital only, to move from 14th to 8th?

It would roughly cost Pittsburgh the 14th overall pick, a 2nd round pick, and a 3rd round pick to move up those 6 spots. With all the extra picks, that's something Dubas may want to consider....if a highly rated player falls and if there is a team willing to move out of the top 10.

Otherwise, I'm still on board for Dubas to trade multiple extra picks to acquire a young NHL player or NHL ready prospect at the draft.

[Michael74]

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

So, you essentially are suggesting we pick twice in the Top eight?

So, maybe 5th or 6th OOA and then move up to take a chance on McQueen? And if so what are you giving up to realistically facilitate it? Obviously not our '26 1st.

It's an idea, but not saying it must be done or should the prime objective. Main thing is, if McQueen slips into 6-10 spot in the draft AND the Penguins get the Rangers pick this year...it is worth considering.

What would the cost be? Well, let's say that McQueen is still sitting there at 8th overall, and Philadelphia owns the 8th overall pick as they do right now. Philly actually has 3 1st round picks right now. Let's also imagine the Penguins get the Rangers pick this year, and it is the 14th overall pick. What would it cost, in draft capital only, to move from 14th to 8th?

It would roughly cost Pittsburgh the 14th overall pick, a 2nd round pick, and a 3rd round pick to move up those 6 spots. With all the extra picks, that's something Dubas may want to consider....if a highly rated player falls and if there is a team willing to move out of the top 10.

Otherwise, I'm still on board for Dubas to trade multiple extra picks to acquire a young NHL player or NHL ready prospect at the draft.

The sentiment is (and maybe you alluded to it as well), after the top eight there's a fairly precipitous drop to the next six or seven. And then another drop for the back half of the 1st and into the 2hd round. With everyone knowing this I'm not so sure those extra picks would matter that much unless a team is already stacked or their valuation is different than what most think.

The Rangers could finish anywhere from 12OA to more likely 17OA or worse. If they get in they could do some damage. I just hope they don't get in. But they could very well get on a run. So this could go a multitude of directions.

My guess is we'll pick 6th or 7th OA and between 15th and 20 OA.

[FLPensFan]

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

So, you essentially are suggesting we pick twice in the Top eight?

So, maybe 5th or 6th OOA and then move up to take a chance on McQueen? And if so what are you giving up to realistically facilitate it? Obviously not our '26 1st.

It's an idea, but not saying it must be done or should the prime objective. Main thing is, if McQueen slips into 6-10 spot in the draft AND the Penguins get the Rangers pick this year...it is worth considering.

What would the cost be? Well, let's say that McQueen is still sitting there at 8th overall, and Philadelphia owns the 8th overall pick as they do right now. Philly actually has 3 1st round picks right now. Let's also imagine the Penguins get the Rangers pick this year, and it is the 14th overall pick. What would it cost, in draft capital only, to move from 14th to 8th?

It would roughly cost Pittsburgh the 14th overall pick, a 2nd round pick, and a 3rd round pick to move up those 6 spots. With all the extra picks, that's something Dubas may want to consider....if a highly rated player falls and if there is a team willing to move out of the top 10.

Otherwise, I'm still on board for Dubas to trade multiple extra picks to acquire a young NHL player or NHL ready prospect at the draft.

The sentiment is (and maybe you alluded to it as well), after the top eight there's a fairly precipitous drop to the next six or seven. And then another drop for the back half of the 1st and into the 2hd round. With everyone knowing this I'm not so sure those extra picks would matter that much unless a team is already stacked or their valuation is different than what most think.

The Rangers could finish anywhere from 12OA to more likely 17OA or worse. If they get in they could do some damage. I just hope they don't get in. But they could very well get on a run. So this could go a multitude of directions.

My guess is we'll pick 6th or 7th OA and between 15th and 20 OA.

This draft is considered to be a weaker draft, especially compared to next year's draft. That doesn't mean there aren't good players beyond the 8th pick, but moreso, the players you might be drafting 10-30th overall this year might not be taken until the 2nd round in a draft deep like next year.

Everything I have seen, Matthew Schaefer should be the hands down #1 pick at this point. If SJ keeps the pick, that makes a lot of sense too because they've drafted Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund the last few years. They picked up a stud young goalie in Askarov from Nashville. Now they need to start adding some good, young defensive prospects and Schaefer would instantly help them. He is said to have a lot of similar qualities to Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar.

After Schaefer, Hagens, Martone, Misa and Desnoyers are thought to be in that 2nd tier.
After those 4, it's Eklund, McQueen, & Frondell in the 3rd tier. This tier based on Athletic rankings, are "bubble NHL all stars and top of the lineup" players.
Then, there's about 7-8 guys in the next tier. Using the Athletic tier system, the 7-8 guys in this tier are "bubble top and middle of lineup" players.

[Michael74]

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

So, you essentially are suggesting we pick twice in the Top eight?

So, maybe 5th or 6th OOA and then move up to take a chance on McQueen? And if so what are you giving up to realistically facilitate it? Obviously not our '26 1st.

It's an idea, but not saying it must be done or should the prime objective. Main thing is, if McQueen slips into 6-10 spot in the draft AND the Penguins get the Rangers pick this year...it is worth considering.

What would the cost be? Well, let's say that McQueen is still sitting there at 8th overall, and Philadelphia owns the 8th overall pick as they do right now. Philly actually has 3 1st round picks right now. Let's also imagine the Penguins get the Rangers pick this year, and it is the 14th overall pick. What would it cost, in draft capital only, to move from 14th to 8th?

It would roughly cost Pittsburgh the 14th overall pick, a 2nd round pick, and a 3rd round pick to move up those 6 spots. With all the extra picks, that's something Dubas may want to consider....if a highly rated player falls and if there is a team willing to move out of the top 10.

Otherwise, I'm still on board for Dubas to trade multiple extra picks to acquire a young NHL player or NHL ready prospect at the draft.

The sentiment is (and maybe you alluded to it as well), after the top eight there's a fairly precipitous drop to the next six or seven. And then another drop for the back half of the 1st and into the 2hd round. With everyone knowing this I'm not so sure those extra picks would matter that much unless a team is already stacked or their valuation is different than what most think.

The Rangers could finish anywhere from 12OA to more likely 17OA or worse. If they get in they could do some damage. I just hope they don't get in. But they could very well get on a run. So this could go a multitude of directions.

My guess is we'll pick 6th or 7th OA and between 15th and 20 OA.

This draft is considered to be a weaker draft, especially compared to next year's draft. That doesn't mean there aren't good players beyond the 8th pick, but moreso, the players you might be drafting 10-30th overall this year might not be taken until the 2nd round in a draft deep like next year.

Everything I have seen, Matthew Schaefer should be the hands down #1 pick at this point. If SJ keeps the pick, that makes a lot of sense too because they've drafted Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund the last few years. They picked up a stud young goalie in Askarov from Nashville. Now they need to start adding some good, young defensive prospects and Schaefer would instantly help them. He is said to have a lot of similar qualities to Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar.

After Schaefer, Hagens, Martone, Misa and Desnoyers are thought to be in that 2nd tier.
After those 4, it's Eklund, McQueen, & Frondell in the 3rd tier. This tier based on Athletic rankings, are "bubble NHL all stars and top of the lineup" players.
Then, there's about 7-8 guys in the next tier. Using the Athletic tier system, the 7-8 guys in this tier are "bubble top and middle of lineup" players.

I pretty much agree with that assessment, yep.

[Daniel]

I see McQueen at 5th pick for Pens actually.. any of those 3 would be solid for future

McQueen has missed most of the season with an injury. I've seen it's been reported to be a back injury. If that is true, then I would stay far away from drafting him.

We can't afford to have question marks right of the bat drafting so high. If this is any sort of question hard pass!

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

Probably not but injured players can scare some GMs. Doubtful but wouldn't be a surprise.

[Daniel]

We can't afford to have question marks right of the bat drafting so high. If this is any sort of question hard pass!

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

So, you essentially are suggesting we pick twice in the Top eight?

So, maybe 5th or 6th OOA and then move up to take a chance on McQueen? And if so what are you giving up to realistically facilitate it? Obviously not our '26 1st.

I think it depends on the trade deadline. For discussions sake, let's say they trade Rakell for a package that includes a 1st. That and the Rangers pick (even 2026) for the spot to take McQueen?

[Michael74]

If he falls to a 2nd 1st round pick (Rangers or one from the trade deadline) then I’d take a chance on him.

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

So, you essentially are suggesting we pick twice in the Top eight?

So, maybe 5th or 6th OOA and then move up to take a chance on McQueen? And if so what are you giving up to realistically facilitate it? Obviously not our '26 1st.

I think it depends on the trade deadline. For discussions sake, let's say they trade Rakell for a package that includes a 1st. That and the Rangers pick (even 2026) for the spot to take McQueen?

I don't want to trade any 1sts from '26. I'd prefer we not go that route as there'd be a lot of unknowns there.. Putting the Rags 1st in play, maybe. Not sure what else to add, but not a 1st in '26, even if we had more than one. McQueen would be a gamble based on his health so I'd be pretty careful. If it were say McQueen passing a physical by team doctors, or at the combines for say the Rags 1st, plus a 2hd or some such package, I'd consider that, but I'm not sure that'd be enough.

[ahawk9]

Another thing to think about is that if there's a "wow!" deal for Rakell, it will most likely involve a 1st. Add that to possible 1st for EK (if Pens retain) in the summer or next deadline, then they may have some options to play with regarding draft capital.

[lemieuxReturns]

The last time we had two first round picks we took Maatta and Pouliot. Wouldn't say we nailed it on those two.
I hope Dubas and Co have better luck.

[Daniel]

At that point sure, but I doubt he'd drop that far. And that pick could be anywhere if they make the playoffs.

If the Penguins don't trade the later 1st round pick of the Rangers, what they should do is pick 4/5/6, and then see if they can trade down into the 6/7/8 spot and draft McQueen.

McQueen was a consistent estimate of 5th overall before his injury. And while what happened with Cayden Lindstrom last year (drafted high, had a back injury, still has yet to play) is a concern, Lindstrom had a herniated disc, while McQueen had a pars fracture that could have been caused by repetitive hits or just as easily from a rapid growth spurt.

If teams are passing on him, could be a good chance for the Penguins to swoop in and get 2nd higher grade forward in a weaker draft.

Here's a good local article on McQueen getting back to playing: https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/2025/ ... ack-injury

So, you essentially are suggesting we pick twice in the Top eight?

So, maybe 5th or 6th OOA and then move up to take a chance on McQueen? And if so what are you giving up to realistically facilitate it? Obviously not our '26 1st.

I think it depends on the trade deadline. For discussions sake, let's say they trade Rakell for a package that includes a 1st. That and the Rangers pick (even 2026) for the spot to take McQueen?

I don't want to trade any 1sts from '26. I'd prefer we not go that route as there'd be a lot of unknowns there.. Putting the Rags 1st in play, maybe. Not sure what else to add, but not a 1st in '26, even if we had more than one. McQueen would be a gamble based on his health so I'd be pretty careful. If it were say McQueen passing a physical by team doctors, or at the combines for say the Rags 1st, plus a 2hd or some such package, I'd consider that, but I'm not sure that'd be enough.

Might be too much sure, but how good is McQueen compared to next years Rangers pick, which might be in the 20s? Just used the 2 1sts are a starting point.