Poll: Who would you draft at 9th overall?

[FLPensFan]

The Penguins remain in the 9th spot for the draft, the Rangers give us the 2026 pick, nobody is willing to trade out of the top 8 spots, and this is how the first 8 picks fall:

1. Matthew Schaefer
2. Michael Misa
3. Caleb Desnoyers
4. James Hagens
5. Porter Martone
6. Jake O'Brien
7. Anton Frondell
8. Victor Eklund

What are you doing at 9th overall? I would say the above scenario has a high probability of playing out...if not in that order, than at least those players being selected. Now, someone really liking McQueen, Smith, or Aitcheson could change things up a bit, and someone may be willing to move back a few spots, but this poll question is a realistic scenario on how things could fall.

[Ericf]

Worst case scenario imo. Ideally you could trade down but that’s very unrealistic. Probably would take Aitcheson. I like him better than Smith and it’s an organizational need, I don’t think Mrtka is anything but large and I’d steer clear of McQueen

[KG]

After 1, this draft is clearly a crap shoot. I'm seeing rankings all over the place. I wouldn't be surprised to see some teams really go off the board. Sounds like McQueen has huge potential of boom or bust with his injury history. I'm hoping we can get a highly skilled forward/center with our pick.

[Puck-Lurker]

What I've seen so far would push me to pick Aitcheson.

McQueen is a bit more of a higher ceiling, lower floor gamble in terms of health. He'd be the only other player I'd be interested in right now, but for widely different reasons. You have to accept that he can be a complete bust and never play a pro game.

[pens_CT]

No doubt they need a LHD defensemen, so I went Smith. Seems like a guy who can play in his own end and has some offensive upside.

[thehockeyguru]

I'd go McQueen 9th
Trade the Rangers pick for McTavish
Trade Karlsson for Pinto

[Daniel]

What I've seen so far would push me to pick Aitcheson.

McQueen is a bit more of a higher ceiling, lower floor gamble in terms of health. He'd be the only other player I'd be interested in right now, but for widely different reasons. You have to accept that he can be a complete bust and never play a pro game.

Not worried about the injury, apparently it was just this year and he's back for the playoffs. Hockey IQ is a weakness and I'm not sure how much that can be taught, I'd be more worried about that. Jake O’Brien & Kashawn Aitcheson are my 2 realistic picks for 9th & 11th (I think the Rangers give the Penguins the pick).

[100565]

I went with trade for 24 player. If no trade available I would take Mrtka or McQueen.

[Daniel]

I went with trade for 24 player. If no trade available I would take Mrtka or McQueen.

I don't think this franchise is close enough to trade a top 10 pick, even for an under 24 player. Especially since their biggest weakness is behind the bench. Replace Sullivan and this team likely gets 10 more points in the standing just from that one change.

[Pitts]

I'd go McQueen 9th
Trade the Rangers pick for McTavish
Trade Karlsson for Pinto

Yep! A 6'5" Center??? Oh -yes!
If not him, I think I go Carter Bear. He's shown real nice improvement over the past couple seasons.

[100565]

I went with trade for 24 player. If no trade available I would take Mrtka or McQueen.

I don't think this franchise is close enough to trade a top 10 pick, even for an under 24 player. Especially since their biggest weakness is behind the bench. Replace Sullivan and this team likely gets 10 more points in the standing just from that one change.

I agree in principle. This year's draft is different. None of the players in this poll would typically be top 10 picks. Probably 15-20 picks in many years.

[pens_CT]

What I've seen so far would push me to pick Aitcheson.

McQueen is a bit more of a higher ceiling, lower floor gamble in terms of health. He'd be the only other player I'd be interested in right now, but for widely different reasons. You have to accept that he can be a complete bust and never play a pro game.

Not worried about the injury, apparently it was just this year and he's back for the playoffs. Hockey IQ is a weakness and I'm not sure how much that can be taught, I'd be more worried about that. Jake O’Brien & Kashawn Aitcheson are my 2 realistic picks for 9th & 11th (I think the Rangers give the Penguins the pick).

He came back shortly before the playoffs. Played in maybe 3 playoff games and then was held out for the remainder. I wouldn't bet on his injury if they have only one first round pick this year. If the Rangers give us their 2025 pick, and you're playing with house money so to speak, then sure take a chance. Otherwise pass.

[FLPensFan]

What I've seen so far would push me to pick Aitcheson.

McQueen is a bit more of a higher ceiling, lower floor gamble in terms of health. He'd be the only other player I'd be interested in right now, but for widely different reasons. You have to accept that he can be a complete bust and never play a pro game.

Not worried about the injury, apparently it was just this year and he's back for the playoffs. Hockey IQ is a weakness and I'm not sure how much that can be taught, I'd be more worried about that. Jake O’Brien & Kashawn Aitcheson are my 2 realistic picks for 9th & 11th (I think the Rangers give the Penguins the pick).

He came back shortly before the playoffs. Played in maybe 3 playoff games and then was held out for the remainder. I wouldn't bet on his injury if they have only one first round pick this year. If the Rangers give us their 2025 pick, and you're playing with house money so to speak, then sure take a chance. Otherwise pass.

Actually, he came back in the regular season on March, played in some regular season games and was average. Played in the playoffs, and got badly outplayed by....Brayden Yager. McQueen had soreness/stiffness in his back and missed/left early in the final game when Brandon got eliminated. His back injury was reportedly a broken vertebrae, and not supposed to be the type of thing that is a nagging injury (unlike a disc issue).

He has also been playing more LW of late, so, even with his size, he is one that may end up being a winger in the NHL. I like his game, but I think there is too much risk associated with him. I'd rather miss and be wrong than pick him and be wrong.

[Zalapski33]

I went with Roger McQueen due to the Pens needing a Center that can be a difference maker.His size and strength can make him a tough guy to defend for Opposing Teams.Health seems to be the only question.

Jackson Smith seems to have a similarity to Pickering as a LD and was my close second choice.I like his length and balance.

Carter Bear wouldn't be a bad pick as a LW that has nice Offensive Skill.May be a productive scoring threat.

[Maestro]

McQueen - a 6’5” 18 year old with chronic back problems?

Trade….. the…. Pick…

[pekkasteele]

I would REALLY try to trade up to try to get Frondell or Desnoyers, we really need that center, I'm scared that we will make the playoffs next year du to offseason trades and acquisitions and miss out on a good draft position next year, and if don't get a good potential top C this year, we will be stuck in mediocracy for to long.

[Pens4Life]

My top 3 would be Mrtka, Aitcheson OR Smith, because we need defensive prospects... Best offensive prospects are all gone before 9th pick

If we get Rags pick, maybe trade him for promising young player who needs change of scenery..

[Puck-Lurker]

Moving down might make sense in a larger deal that brings a good < 24 yo player.

[Cow_Master66]

Trade back and collect more draft capital.

[Pitts]

The Athletic says:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/629239 ... y-pronman/

1. Schaefer [SJ]
2. Misa [CHI]
3. Desnoyers [NASH]
4. Hagens [PHI]
5. Frondell [BOS]
6. O’Brien [SEA]
7. Martone [BUF]
8. Mrtka [ANH]

9. Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)

Eklund, the younger brother of Sharks winger William, showed high skill and tempo playing against men this year. His motor and puck touches pop. Pittsburgh needs young offensive help badly, and Eklund offers both upside and NHL traits.

10. McQueen [NYI]

[thehockeyguru]

The Athletic says:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/629239 ... y-pronman/

1. Schaefer [SJ]
2. Misa [CHI]
3. Desnoyers [NASH]
4. Hagens [PHI]
5. Frondell [BOS]
6. O’Brien [SEA]
7. Martone [BUF]
8. Mrtka [ANH]

9. Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)

Eklund, the younger brother of Sharks winger William, showed high skill and tempo playing against men this year. His motor and puck touches pop. Pittsburgh needs young offensive help badly, and Eklund offers both upside and NHL traits.

10. McQueen [NYI]

Honestly I don't care what position we select out system is so void of top tier talent. Im willing to bet someone is there at #9 that we weren't expecting. I think Dubas can evaluate draft eligible talent I trust that they'll select best available

[Puck-Lurker]

The Athletic says:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/629239 ... y-pronman/

1. Schaefer [SJ]
2. Misa [CHI]
3. Desnoyers [NASH]
4. Hagens [PHI]
5. Frondell [BOS]
6. O’Brien [SEA]
7. Martone [BUF]
8. Mrtka [ANH]

9. Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)

Eklund, the younger brother of Sharks winger William, showed high skill and tempo playing against men this year. His motor and puck touches pop. Pittsburgh needs young offensive help badly, and Eklund offers both upside and NHL traits.

10. McQueen [NYI]

Honestly I don't care what position we select out system is so void of top tier talent. Im willing to bet someone is there at #9 that we weren't expecting. I think Dubas can evaluate draft eligible talent I trust that they'll select best available

I don't think the eight teams ahead of us would select the right best picks available. Different orgs have different needs. Not all of them need EVERYTHING like the Pens do

[Daniel]

The Athletic says:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/629239 ... y-pronman/

1. Schaefer [SJ]
2. Misa [CHI]
3. Desnoyers [NASH]
4. Hagens [PHI]
5. Frondell [BOS]
6. O’Brien [SEA]
7. Martone [BUF]
8. Mrtka [ANH]

9. Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)

Eklund, the younger brother of Sharks winger William, showed high skill and tempo playing against men this year. His motor and puck touches pop. Pittsburgh needs young offensive help badly, and Eklund offers both upside and NHL traits.

10. McQueen [NYI]

Honestly I don't care what position we select out system is so void of top tier talent. Im willing to bet someone is there at #9 that we weren't expecting. I think Dubas can evaluate draft eligible talent I trust that they'll select best available

The only exception to that would be a top 2 line center, just because the organization literally has none. I don't think anyone is even projected to be a top 2 line center. Looking at the organizational depth, they have no one drafted about the 5th round in the system that's a pure center. Plenty of top 3 wingers and a few might end up on the 1st/2nd line.

If Eklund and McQueen are close and McQueen can dispel the back injury and if he's a pure center, I'd take him. Even if he ends up the next Jordan Staal he'd be far better than anyone in the system.

[Daniel]

The Athletic says:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/629239 ... y-pronman/

1. Schaefer [SJ]
2. Misa [CHI]
3. Desnoyers [NASH]
4. Hagens [PHI]
5. Frondell [BOS]
6. O’Brien [SEA]
7. Martone [BUF]
8. Mrtka [ANH]

9. Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)

Eklund, the younger brother of Sharks winger William, showed high skill and tempo playing against men this year. His motor and puck touches pop. Pittsburgh needs young offensive help badly, and Eklund offers both upside and NHL traits.

10. McQueen [NYI]

Honestly I don't care what position we select out system is so void of top tier talent. Im willing to bet someone is there at #9 that we weren't expecting. I think Dubas can evaluate draft eligible talent I trust that they'll select best available

I don't think the eight teams ahead of us would select the right best picks available. Different orgs have different needs. Not all of them need EVERYTHING like the Pens do

I don't think the Penguins need everything, unless you're including depth. For offense, they have Broz, McGroarty, Koivunen, Howe, Cruz Lucius and will naturally get forwards with each draft, but not pressing. Defense they have Brunicke, Pickering, Pieniniemi, Finn Harding has nice size, Belliveau might be a stretch but he's at least depth. Goalie we've discussed a lot.

I'd say other than depth, the only pressing need would be top 2 centers.

[Michael74]

If Eklund is there I take him assuming Desnoyers and JOB are gone, If all of them are gone I take Martin.

MCQueens injury disqualifies him IMO at 9th 0A. You cannot afford to take damaged goods at that juncture.