2025 NHL Draft

[Daniel]

Man, give me Kashawn Aitcheson all day, every day

At 5-8, I'd say no and rather one of the top centers, but at 11-12, heck yeah. I still love this as the next gen defensive corp

Pickering - 21
Brunicke - 19
Aitcheson - 18
Mrtka - 18

3-4 they'll be quite a quartet

What are you talking about? He's 6'1", 200 pounds at 18 years old.

Picks 5-8 because the Penguins top need is a top 2 line center. I think picks 5-8 is too high for him but one of 11 or 12 would be perfect.

Lol, Fair enough. I read that entirely the wrong way.

He actually reads a bit like Brooks Orpik, don't you think? Not sure about his offense, so he might be far better, but I always liked Orpik as a Penguin. Yes, he made a huge hit while someone went past him for a breakaway but he wasn't a bad skater (kids now are far superior) and actually played the position pretty well.

[Cow_Master66]

The sexy part about Aitcheson, from everything I've seen and read, is how he's become a fluid skater and can manage the puck and drive plays. Not too often a Dman known for physicality has the skills to contribute on the O side as well. Watching video, he jumps into plays and can drive offense as well....I wouldn't be surprised if he actually goes before 11 by the time the draft rolls around, but if he's there, I'd much rather scoop him up than any of the O guys.

[Gunnerfan]

At 5-8, I'd say no and rather one of the top centers, but at 11-12, heck yeah. I still love this as the next gen defensive corp

Pickering - 21
Brunicke - 19
Aitcheson - 18
Mrtka - 18

3-4 they'll be quite a quartet

What are you talking about? He's 6'1", 200 pounds at 18 years old.

Picks 5-8 because the Penguins top need is a top 2 line center. I think picks 5-8 is too high for him but one of 11 or 12 would be perfect.

Lol, Fair enough. I read that entirely the wrong way.

He actually reads a bit like Brooks Orpik, don't you think? Not sure about his offense, so he might be far better, but I always liked Orpik as a Penguin. Yes, he made a huge hit while someone went past him for a breakaway but he wasn't a bad skater (kids now are far superior) and actually played the position pretty well.

100% agree. Honestly, I think Orpik's skating might have been a bit underrated.

[Daniel]

The sexy part about Aitcheson, from everything I've seen and read, is how he's become a fluid skater and can manage the puck and drive plays. Not too often a Dman known for physicality has the skills to contribute on the O side as well. Watching video, he jumps into plays and can drive offense as well....I wouldn't be surprised if he actually goes before 11 by the time the draft rolls around, but if he's there, I'd much rather scoop him up than any of the O guys.

He might one of those players that jump into the top 10, which will push someone we aren't talking about down to 11. I'm still holding out for one of Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell, just because a top 2 center is probably the number 1 need for this team. Murashov, Pickering, Brunicke, Kouvenin, McGroarty, etc. Tristan Broz is probably the top center in the prospect pool and I'm not sure I can name another center under 21-22. Desnoyers, O'Brien, or Frondell would look awfully good in a Penguins uniform. If Aitcheson moves up, one of those 3 might move down. If he doesn't move up, he'll be a nice Penguin for awhile. I'm good either way.

[Puck-Lurker]

The sexy part about Aitcheson, from everything I've seen and read, is how he's become a fluid skater and can manage the puck and drive plays. Not too often a Dman known for physicality has the skills to contribute on the O side as well. Watching video, he jumps into plays and can drive offense as well....I wouldn't be surprised if he actually goes before 11 by the time the draft rolls around, but if he's there, I'd much rather scoop him up than any of the O guys.

He might one of those players that jump into the top 10, which will push someone we aren't talking about down to 11. I'm still holding out for one of Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell, just because a top 2 center is probably the number 1 need for this team. Murashov, Pickering, Brunicke, Kouvenin, McGroarty, etc. Tristan Broz is probably the top center in the prospect pool and I'm not sure I can name another center under 21-22. Desnoyers, O'Brien, or Frondell would look awfully good in a Penguins uniform. If Aitcheson moves up, one of those 3 might move down. If he doesn't move up, he'll be a nice Penguin for awhile. I'm good either way.

Exactly. I would probably pick him over Mrtka too. And if he goes early, someone else drops to us.

[Daniel]

The sexy part about Aitcheson, from everything I've seen and read, is how he's become a fluid skater and can manage the puck and drive plays. Not too often a Dman known for physicality has the skills to contribute on the O side as well. Watching video, he jumps into plays and can drive offense as well....I wouldn't be surprised if he actually goes before 11 by the time the draft rolls around, but if he's there, I'd much rather scoop him up than any of the O guys.

He might one of those players that jump into the top 10, which will push someone we aren't talking about down to 11. I'm still holding out for one of Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell, just because a top 2 center is probably the number 1 need for this team. Murashov, Pickering, Brunicke, Kouvenin, McGroarty, etc. Tristan Broz is probably the top center in the prospect pool and I'm not sure I can name another center under 21-22. Desnoyers, O'Brien, or Frondell would look awfully good in a Penguins uniform. If Aitcheson moves up, one of those 3 might move down. If he doesn't move up, he'll be a nice Penguin for awhile. I'm good either way.

Exactly. I would probably pick him over Mrtka too. And if he goes early, someone else drops to us.

For realistic defensemen, he's the 1st choice. Mrtka intrigues me but not sure overall. He could be a nice Hal Gill type of player in terms of defensive or he can have the offense of a Hedman. Yes both are more physical, but was looking at the height in the comparison. If he's a defensive only guy, not sure about getting him that high. If he can hit or add offense, totally worth it. Heck, if he ever starts to hit and you get him and Aitcheson, that'd be awesome.

[BlackNGold4Life]

Just found out I’ll be at the Draft in LA this year! Hope it brings some good juju

[Pitts]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/633492 ... d-lottery/

Scott Wheeler says:

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgårdens IF

Ideally, I think the Penguins would hope for one of the top centers to fall. If that doesn’t happen, though, I don’t think their pool — as improved as it is — can afford to reach for a center. The consensus top center left is Braeden Cootes, but he’s a lower-upside bet and Eklund, a skilled but competitive and smart right-shot winger, is the Kyle Dubas/Wes Clark type. I could see them looking to add some size, though, as well, and think a player like Lynden Lakovic could fit and go as early as this pick as well.

And, with the Ranger's pick:

12. New York Rangers: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie Colts

I think the Rangers take a D here, and Aitcheson and Mrtka are the most likely candidates in this range. They’ve gravitated to the thorny pest types in the past with Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard, and the heavy hitters with guys like Will Cuylle and Matt Rempe. Aitcheson is both of those and then some as a rare throwback. Jackson Smith could be in the mix here, too, but he’s third in the consensus of those three right now.

[dark_forces]

The sexy part about Aitcheson, from everything I've seen and read, is how he's become a fluid skater and can manage the puck and drive plays. Not too often a Dman known for physicality has the skills to contribute on the O side as well. Watching video, he jumps into plays and can drive offense as well....I wouldn't be surprised if he actually goes before 11 by the time the draft rolls around, but if he's there, I'd much rather scoop him up than any of the O guys.

He might one of those players that jump into the top 10, which will push someone we aren't talking about down to 11. I'm still holding out for one of Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell, just because a top 2 center is probably the number 1 need for this team. Murashov, Pickering, Brunicke, Kouvenin, McGroarty, etc. Tristan Broz is probably the top center in the prospect pool and I'm not sure I can name another center under 21-22. Desnoyers, O'Brien, or Frondell would look awfully good in a Penguins uniform. If Aitcheson moves up, one of those 3 might move down. If he doesn't move up, he'll be a nice Penguin for awhile. I'm good either way.

Exactly. I would probably pick him over Mrtka too. And if he goes early, someone else drops to us.

For realistic defensemen, he's the 1st choice. Mrtka intrigues me but not sure overall. He could be a nice Hal Gill type of player in terms of defensive or he can have the offense of a Hedman. Yes both are more physical, but was looking at the height in the comparison. If he's a defensive only guy, not sure about getting him that high. If he can hit or add offense, totally worth it. Heck, if he ever starts to hit and you get him and Aitcheson, that'd be awesome.

With #11, I'd be happy with Jackson Smith. He's, by most accounts, the 2nd best defenseman available, known for his really good skating, and seems to have no weaknesses. I'd take a top paring guy with #11. Now, if he falls, I would love Eklund as a semi-relaistic first choice.

[Daniel]

The sexy part about Aitcheson, from everything I've seen and read, is how he's become a fluid skater and can manage the puck and drive plays. Not too often a Dman known for physicality has the skills to contribute on the O side as well. Watching video, he jumps into plays and can drive offense as well....I wouldn't be surprised if he actually goes before 11 by the time the draft rolls around, but if he's there, I'd much rather scoop him up than any of the O guys.

He might one of those players that jump into the top 10, which will push someone we aren't talking about down to 11. I'm still holding out for one of Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell, just because a top 2 center is probably the number 1 need for this team. Murashov, Pickering, Brunicke, Kouvenin, McGroarty, etc. Tristan Broz is probably the top center in the prospect pool and I'm not sure I can name another center under 21-22. Desnoyers, O'Brien, or Frondell would look awfully good in a Penguins uniform. If Aitcheson moves up, one of those 3 might move down. If he doesn't move up, he'll be a nice Penguin for awhile. I'm good either way.

Exactly. I would probably pick him over Mrtka too. And if he goes early, someone else drops to us.

For realistic defensemen, he's the 1st choice. Mrtka intrigues me but not sure overall. He could be a nice Hal Gill type of player in terms of defensive or he can have the offense of a Hedman. Yes both are more physical, but was looking at the height in the comparison. If he's a defensive only guy, not sure about getting him that high. If he can hit or add offense, totally worth it. Heck, if he ever starts to hit and you get him and Aitcheson, that'd be awesome.

With #11, I'd be happy with Jackson Smith. He's, by most accounts, the 2nd best defenseman available, known for his really good skating, and seems to have no weaknesses. I'd take a top paring guy with #11. Now, if he falls, I would love Eklund as a semi-relaistic first choice.

I wouldn't be against it and he reads a bit like Pickering so that's good. A big hitting defensemen is intriguing though.

[Pens4Life]

Yeah, I agree.. At #11 to go with Aitcheson or Smith is a good pick, I would prefer Aitcheson. If we can grab even both with #11 and #12 even better, but Pens probably pick one forward if they have 2 picks.

[Pitts]

Another one from the Athletic:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/634443 ... n-round-1/

This one has:

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson adds significant physicality to Pittsburgh’s system while also having the size, mobility and skill of a top-four NHL defenseman.

Rangers pick:

12. New York Rangers: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)

Cootes brings speed, compete and two-way versatility to the Rangers’ forward group, giving them a hardworking center with offensive potential and addressing an important need at center.

and the Detroit pick at 13:

13. Detroit Red Wings: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgården (Allsvenskan)

Eklund’s speed, high motor and ability to create offense gives Detroit an important addition of offensive talent to its system while continuing with a trend of prioritizing compete in its picks.

[DeHaven162]

If Eklund is available at 11 and we pass, I'll be bummed. Would have the same feeling when Filip Forsberg was still available when we picked in 2012, and we took Pouliot instead.

[Daniel]

If Eklund is available at 11 and we pass, I'll be bummed. Would have the same feeling when Filip Forsberg was still available when we picked in 2012, and we took Pouliot instead.

Depends on who they take though. Organizationally they need a top 2 line center over a dynamic forward. If O'Brien is available it'd be hard to draft someone else (doubt the other top C's will be available). They also could use a physical defenseman and if Atchieson is available, how do you pass that up? If they have the Rangers 1st (I think they will) then you could see 2 really good prospects.

[Puck-Lurker]

Another one from the Athletic:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/634443 ... n-round-1/

This one has:

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson adds significant physicality to Pittsburgh’s system while also having the size, mobility and skill of a top-four NHL defenseman.

Rangers pick:

12. New York Rangers: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)

Cootes brings speed, compete and two-way versatility to the Rangers’ forward group, giving them a hardworking center with offensive potential and addressing an important need at center.

and the Detroit pick at 13:

13. Detroit Red Wings: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgården (Allsvenskan)

Eklund’s speed, high motor and ability to create offense gives Detroit an important addition of offensive talent to its system while continuing with a trend of prioritizing compete in its picks.

If we had the NYR pick...

Aitcheson and Eklund, unless one of the better centers is available (which by my count wouldn't be if Eklund drops and #12 is Cootes...

[Daniel]

Another one from the Athletic:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/634443 ... n-round-1/

This one has:

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson adds significant physicality to Pittsburgh’s system while also having the size, mobility and skill of a top-four NHL defenseman.

Rangers pick:

12. New York Rangers: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)

Cootes brings speed, compete and two-way versatility to the Rangers’ forward group, giving them a hardworking center with offensive potential and addressing an important need at center.

and the Detroit pick at 13:

13. Detroit Red Wings: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgården (Allsvenskan)

Eklund’s speed, high motor and ability to create offense gives Detroit an important addition of offensive talent to its system while continuing with a trend of prioritizing compete in its picks.

If we had the NYR pick...

Aitcheson and Eklund, unless one of the better centers is available (which by my count wouldn't be if Eklund drops and #12 is Cootes...

While I don't think there is a 1C in this draft, if for some reason Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell drop they almost have to take them. McQueen maybe, but depends on a lot (health, if he'll play center, etc.). Martin might rise up the boards, but as a 3C probably not. 2nd choice would be Aitcheson just because they need that hitter in the organization. I'd choose him over Smith & Mrtka just because he fills and organizational need.

[FLPensFan]

Another one from the Athletic:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/634443 ... n-round-1/

This one has:

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson adds significant physicality to Pittsburgh’s system while also having the size, mobility and skill of a top-four NHL defenseman.

Rangers pick:

12. New York Rangers: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)

Cootes brings speed, compete and two-way versatility to the Rangers’ forward group, giving them a hardworking center with offensive potential and addressing an important need at center.

and the Detroit pick at 13:

13. Detroit Red Wings: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgården (Allsvenskan)

Eklund’s speed, high motor and ability to create offense gives Detroit an important addition of offensive talent to its system while continuing with a trend of prioritizing compete in its picks.

If we had the NYR pick...

Aitcheson and Eklund, unless one of the better centers is available (which by my count wouldn't be if Eklund drops and #12 is Cootes...

While I don't think there is a 1C in this draft, if for some reason Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell drop they almost have to take them. McQueen maybe, but depends on a lot (health, if he'll play center, etc.). Martin might rise up the boards, but as a 3C probably not. 2nd choice would be Aitcheson just because they need that hitter in the organization. I'd choose him over Smith & Mrtka just because he fills and organizational need.

I'm still in the line of thinking that if Frondell, Desnoyers, or O'Brien are still there around 8 or 9, the Penguins should look to trade up. Should cost 11, one of their 2025 3rd, and one of their 2026 2nds. That is the purpose of those extra picks. There is also the chance of trading 11, a 3rd, and a prospect, say Cruz Lucius as a random prospect add.

I think Desnoyers will be long gone. I think O'Brien is likely to be gone. I think Frondell may fall because some weren't happy with his recent tournament play, and too many evaluators get so hung up on an average recent showing they'll drop.

Early on, I was pro-McQueen. Now, I've done a 180. I'd rather skip him and be wrong, seeing him flourish elsewhere, than take him and be wrong, watching him flame out here. His injury was considered something that shouldn't be persistent....but he looked average when he returned in the regular season, looked average in the playoffs and couldn't even play the last game.

O'Brien and Aitcheson would make my day.
Frondell and Aitcheson would be damn fine as well.
I'd still be happy with Martin and Aitcheson.

I'm pro-Eklund too, because for his size, he plays like a wrecking ball, but I'd rather take a swing at a d-man or potential #2 center unless our talent evaluators see Eklund as a 60-80 point player, not a 40-60 point player.

[Daniel]

Another one from the Athletic:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/634443 ... n-round-1/

This one has:

11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Barrie (OHL)

Aitcheson adds significant physicality to Pittsburgh’s system while also having the size, mobility and skill of a top-four NHL defenseman.

Rangers pick:

12. New York Rangers: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle (WHL)

Cootes brings speed, compete and two-way versatility to the Rangers’ forward group, giving them a hardworking center with offensive potential and addressing an important need at center.

and the Detroit pick at 13:

13. Detroit Red Wings: Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgården (Allsvenskan)

Eklund’s speed, high motor and ability to create offense gives Detroit an important addition of offensive talent to its system while continuing with a trend of prioritizing compete in its picks.

If we had the NYR pick...

Aitcheson and Eklund, unless one of the better centers is available (which by my count wouldn't be if Eklund drops and #12 is Cootes...

While I don't think there is a 1C in this draft, if for some reason Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell drop they almost have to take them. McQueen maybe, but depends on a lot (health, if he'll play center, etc.). Martin might rise up the boards, but as a 3C probably not. 2nd choice would be Aitcheson just because they need that hitter in the organization. I'd choose him over Smith & Mrtka just because he fills and organizational need.

I'm still in the line of thinking that if Frondell, Desnoyers, or O'Brien are still there around 8 or 9, the Penguins should look to trade up. Should cost 11, one of their 2025 3rd, and one of their 2026 2nds. That is the purpose of those extra picks. There is also the chance of trading 11, a 3rd, and a prospect, say Cruz Lucius as a random prospect add.

I think Desnoyers will be long gone. I think O'Brien is likely to be gone. I think Frondell may fall because some weren't happy with his recent tournament play, and too many evaluators get so hung up on an average recent showing they'll drop.

Early on, I was pro-McQueen. Now, I've done a 180. I'd rather skip him and be wrong, seeing him flourish elsewhere, than take him and be wrong, watching him flame out here. His injury was considered something that shouldn't be persistent....but he looked average when he returned in the regular season, looked average in the playoffs and couldn't even play the last game.

O'Brien and Aitcheson would make my day.
Frondell and Aitcheson would be damn fine as well.
I'd still be happy with Martin and Aitcheson.

I'm pro-Eklund too, because for his size, he plays like a wrecking ball, but I'd rather take a swing at a d-man or potential #2 center unless our talent evaluators see Eklund as a 60-80 point player, not a 40-60 point player.

Aitcheson is my first choice of the realistic picks, he reminds me of Brooks Orpik and that's something the organization truly needs. I think they have a good offensive guy (Brunicke), defensive guy (Pickering) but lack that physical guy.

I'd take Eklund over Martin but Martin is growing on me. Just think Eklund will a good dynamic guy, reads like a Phil Kessel type of player.

I think if Desnoyer or O'Brien fall it's because other people leap over them, such as Aitcheson or even Martin (team might want more physical and strong down the middle). As for McQueen, he might be a combine guy who can show his skills and rise because of that. I hope a team falls in love with his size and skating ability and he rises to about 5th or 6th. Means someone else drops.

[DeHaven162]

If Eklund is available at 11 and we pass, I'll be bummed. Would have the same feeling when Filip Forsberg was still available when we picked in 2012, and we took Pouliot instead.

Depends on who they take though. Organizationally they need a top 2 line center over a dynamic forward. If O'Brien is available it'd be hard to draft someone else (doubt the other top C's will be available). They also could use a physical defenseman and if Atchieson is available, how do you pass that up? If they have the Rangers 1st (I think they will) then you could see 2 really good prospects.

I pass up a 2C for a dynamic forward 10 out of 10 times. This organization needs the best players they can possibly get at all positions. We have a few middle 6 forward prospects and potential 2nd pair D prospects. This prospect pool is not at a spot where we can be picky. Take the best player available.

[Daniel]

If Eklund is available at 11 and we pass, I'll be bummed. Would have the same feeling when Filip Forsberg was still available when we picked in 2012, and we took Pouliot instead.

Depends on who they take though. Organizationally they need a top 2 line center over a dynamic forward. If O'Brien is available it'd be hard to draft someone else (doubt the other top C's will be available). They also could use a physical defenseman and if Atchieson is available, how do you pass that up? If they have the Rangers 1st (I think they will) then you could see 2 really good prospects.

I pass up a 2C for a dynamic forward 10 out of 10 times. This organization needs the best players they can possibly get at all positions. We have a few middle 6 forward prospects and potential 2nd pair D prospects. This prospect pool is not at a spot where we can be picky. Take the best player available.

While I see your point, if Eklund could be a game breaker without a good center, he'd be gone before the Penguins. A good center can make a decent forward good but a good forward still needs someone to distribute the puck.

I think outside the top 10-12 picks, you go for filling up the organization, but two reasons why I'd go for organizational need with a higher pick. Biggest reason is players don't take as long to develop as they used to. 2 years in junior, 1-2 years at the AHL level, ready to go about 22-23 years old. Nowadays, we're talking about Sam Poulin as a bust and he's the same age as Tage Thompson was when he became a regular. The fact that Tage had some success before that is why. McGroarty and Koivunen were 20-21 when they made the NHL and will probably never see the AHL. 2-3 years from now Desnoyers can be a legit 2C, same as O'Brien.

Second reason is the Penguins only have Tristan Broz that might be a legit NHL center and that's really about it and really need to replenish that position from the ground up. They have some decent to good forwards.

In the end, I wouldn't complain about Eklund at all but to be centers are more valuable than wingers, unless the winger can create on his own, but in this draft he'd go top 5 for sure if he was that dynamic.

[praxitas]

Here is a list of Centers going back to 2014 that were chosen at or after our pick and are 'mostly' 1 or 2 line NHL centers. I can't keep up with everyone so some may have moved to wing, but were drafted as centers. You might get lucky, you might not. There are tons of busts and fringe players chosen before and after as well. I would cross my fingers and go with the consensus best player available, though I'm smitten with the thought of having a heavy hitter like Atchieson on the back end. We haven't had anything like that since Orpik.

2014
15. Larkin
29. Kempe
79. Point

2015
16. Barzal
20. Eriksson Ek
24. Konecny

2016.
26. Tage Thompson

2017.
12. Necas
13. Suzuki
20. Robert Thomas

2018
Pretty bad draft year overall

2019
16. Newhook
17. Krebs
32. Pinto

2020
12. Lundell
13. Jarvis

2021
23. Wyatt Johnson

[Cow_Master66]

Another one from the Athletic:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/634443 ... n-round-1/

This one has:


Rangers pick:


and the Detroit pick at 13:

If we had the NYR pick...

Aitcheson and Eklund, unless one of the better centers is available (which by my count wouldn't be if Eklund drops and #12 is Cootes...

While I don't think there is a 1C in this draft, if for some reason Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell drop they almost have to take them. McQueen maybe, but depends on a lot (health, if he'll play center, etc.). Martin might rise up the boards, but as a 3C probably not. 2nd choice would be Aitcheson just because they need that hitter in the organization. I'd choose him over Smith & Mrtka just because he fills and organizational need.

I'm still in the line of thinking that if Frondell, Desnoyers, or O'Brien are still there around 8 or 9, the Penguins should look to trade up. Should cost 11, one of their 2025 3rd, and one of their 2026 2nds. That is the purpose of those extra picks. There is also the chance of trading 11, a 3rd, and a prospect, say Cruz Lucius as a random prospect add.

I think Desnoyers will be long gone. I think O'Brien is likely to be gone. I think Frondell may fall because some weren't happy with his recent tournament play, and too many evaluators get so hung up on an average recent showing they'll drop.

Early on, I was pro-McQueen. Now, I've done a 180. I'd rather skip him and be wrong, seeing him flourish elsewhere, than take him and be wrong, watching him flame out here. His injury was considered something that shouldn't be persistent....but he looked average when he returned in the regular season, looked average in the playoffs and couldn't even play the last game.

O'Brien and Aitcheson would make my day.
Frondell and Aitcheson would be damn fine as well.
I'd still be happy with Martin and Aitcheson.

I'm pro-Eklund too, because for his size, he plays like a wrecking ball, but I'd rather take a swing at a d-man or potential #2 center unless our talent evaluators see Eklund as a 60-80 point player, not a 40-60 point player.

Aitcheson is my first choice of the realistic picks, he reminds me of Brooks Orpik and that's something the organization truly needs. I think they have a good offensive guy (Brunicke), defensive guy (Pickering) but lack that physical guy.

I'd take Eklund over Martin but Martin is growing on me. Just think Eklund will a good dynamic guy, reads like a Phil Kessel type of player.

I think if Desnoyer or O'Brien fall it's because other people leap over them, such as Aitcheson or even Martin (team might want more physical and strong down the middle). As for McQueen, he might be a combine guy who can show his skills and rise because of that. I hope a team falls in love with his size and skating ability and he rises to about 5th or 6th. Means someone else drops.

He has much more snarl than Brooks, as well as a better looking offensive game (at least at this point). Would be a fantastic addition; hope we land him.

[Daniel]

If we had the NYR pick...

Aitcheson and Eklund, unless one of the better centers is available (which by my count wouldn't be if Eklund drops and #12 is Cootes...

While I don't think there is a 1C in this draft, if for some reason Desnoyers, O'Brien, Frondell drop they almost have to take them. McQueen maybe, but depends on a lot (health, if he'll play center, etc.). Martin might rise up the boards, but as a 3C probably not. 2nd choice would be Aitcheson just because they need that hitter in the organization. I'd choose him over Smith & Mrtka just because he fills and organizational need.

I'm still in the line of thinking that if Frondell, Desnoyers, or O'Brien are still there around 8 or 9, the Penguins should look to trade up. Should cost 11, one of their 2025 3rd, and one of their 2026 2nds. That is the purpose of those extra picks. There is also the chance of trading 11, a 3rd, and a prospect, say Cruz Lucius as a random prospect add.

I think Desnoyers will be long gone. I think O'Brien is likely to be gone. I think Frondell may fall because some weren't happy with his recent tournament play, and too many evaluators get so hung up on an average recent showing they'll drop.

Early on, I was pro-McQueen. Now, I've done a 180. I'd rather skip him and be wrong, seeing him flourish elsewhere, than take him and be wrong, watching him flame out here. His injury was considered something that shouldn't be persistent....but he looked average when he returned in the regular season, looked average in the playoffs and couldn't even play the last game.

O'Brien and Aitcheson would make my day.
Frondell and Aitcheson would be damn fine as well.
I'd still be happy with Martin and Aitcheson.

I'm pro-Eklund too, because for his size, he plays like a wrecking ball, but I'd rather take a swing at a d-man or potential #2 center unless our talent evaluators see Eklund as a 60-80 point player, not a 40-60 point player.

Aitcheson is my first choice of the realistic picks, he reminds me of Brooks Orpik and that's something the organization truly needs. I think they have a good offensive guy (Brunicke), defensive guy (Pickering) but lack that physical guy.

I'd take Eklund over Martin but Martin is growing on me. Just think Eklund will a good dynamic guy, reads like a Phil Kessel type of player.

I think if Desnoyer or O'Brien fall it's because other people leap over them, such as Aitcheson or even Martin (team might want more physical and strong down the middle). As for McQueen, he might be a combine guy who can show his skills and rise because of that. I hope a team falls in love with his size and skating ability and he rises to about 5th or 6th. Means someone else drops.

He has much more snarl than Brooks, as well as a better looking offensive game (at least at this point). Would be a fantastic addition; hope we land him.

As the only 1st rounder, maybe not, but if they have the Rangers pick and he's available, absolutely.

[Pruezy11881]

Craig Button latest top 10:

Schaefer
Misa
Frondell
Martone
McQueen
Martin
Desnoyers
Hagens
Mrtka
Eklund