NHL Draft Eve: Penguins Aggressively Pursuing Trades, Top Prospects Face Uncertainty
As the NHL Draft approaches on Friday night at the Peacock Theater, teams are finalizing their strategies and last-minute intel is shaping the landscape. Several prospects are generating notable buzz, while others are seeing their draft stock fluctuate. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments, including potential trades, rising stars, and a surprising medical story impacting one top player.
Rising Names to Watch
Several players have recently gained traction among scouts and general managers. Russians Daniil Prokhorov, Alexander Zharovsky, and semyon Frolov, along with Acadie-Bathurst titan defenseman Will Reynolds, and Czech forward Vaclav nestrasil are all generating considerable interest. Prokhorov,a 6-foot-5 winger known for his grit and secondary scoring ability,is widely expected to be selected in the first round,with multiple teams reportedly prepared to make a move.
Zharovsky’s stock is more complex. While he received mixed reviews at Dan Milstein’s Gold Star camp due to his physical development, some scouts still believe he possesses untapped potential. Prokhorov is projected to be off the board by the early 20s, possibly even in the late teens, while Zharovsky and Nestrasil could be selected late in the first round or early on day 2.
Goaltender Frolov is being considered alongside Joshua Ravensbergen as a potential top prospect in net, though Ravensbergen’s draft position is becoming less certain, with some speculation that he may slip out of the first round.
Reynolds,meanwhile,has seen his profile rise unexpectedly in the second half of the season. Described as a strong, competitive defenseman with impressive skating ability, he’s now widely projected as a second-round pick despite modest offensive statistics (16 points in 69 combined regular-season and playoff games). Scouts believe he’s slightly taller than his listed 6-foot-2.5 and benefits from being a younger player, born in August 2007. “From January to now,he had his development trajectory skyrocket,” one source commented.
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Team to Watch
All eyes are on the Pittsburgh Penguins as they enter the draft with the No. 12 pick,recently acquired from the Rangers in the J.T. miller trade. The Penguins have reportedly been actively exploring opportunities to move up in the draft, even inquiring about the No.3 pick held by the Blackhawks.
Porter Martone and James Hagens appear to be at the top of their list, with Roger McQueen also garnering significant interest. Martone is widely projected as a top-five pick,meaning the Penguins would need to make a ample move to secure him. Hagens’ draft position is less certain, but the Flyers and Bruins are also believed to be considering him at No. 6 or No. 7.
if McQueen is available, scouts predict he’ll be selected in the 8-10 range, potentially by the Kraken, Sabres, or Ducks. Should McQueen be off the board, the Penguins are reportedly focused on left-handed defensemen Kashawn Aitcheson and Jackson Smith, both of whom they spent extra time evaluating at the combine in Buffalo. Winger Lynden Lakovic is also a potential target. General Manager Kyle Dubas has demonstrated a willingness to trade back, but the Penguins currently prioritize quality over quantity after recent acquisitions.
James Hagens’ Draft Stock in Flux
Just over a year ago,James Hagens was considered the frontrunner for the No. 1 overall pick after setting a U18 Worlds single-tournament points record with 22 points in seven games.Though, his draft stock has cooled in recent months.Currently,analysts believe the Sharks,Blackhawks,and Mammoth are unlikely to select him at No. 2, No. 3, or No. 4.
While Hagens would be a logical fit for the Predators at No. 5, they have shown considerable interest in Martone throughout the year. If Martone is selected before the Predators’ pick,Hagens could be a fallback option. The current consensus projects Hagens going No. 6 or No.7 to the Flyers or Bruins.
Despite this, several teams have reportedly explored trade-up scenarios targeting Hagens, including the Islanders, who may attempt to acquire a second top-five pick to select the long Island native.
A Surprising Setback for Malcolm Spence
A concerning medical issue has impacted the draft stock of forward Malcolm spence. Initially listed at 201 pounds, Spence weighed in at just 190 pounds at the combine, prompting inquiries into the weight loss.
The reason? Spence underwent a procedure to split his tongue,which afterward became infected,leading to a blood clot and a hospital stay. He experienced difficulty eating and breathing and played with a protective cage. The ordeal resulted in a 10-pound weight loss and reportedly affected his performance during the season. despite these challenges, Spence still recorded 36 goals and 82 points in 74 games. He has committed to the University of Michigan and is projected to play at 215 pounds in the NHL. Scouts believe he’ll be selected in the early 20s.
Last-Minute Rankings Adjustment
In the final days leading up to the draft, continued evaluation has prompted a minor adjustment to one analyst’s draft board. Cullen Potter has been moved down two or three spots to No. 18 or No. 19, while Jackson Smith and Lynden Lakovic have moved up one spot each to No. 16 and No. 17, respectively. Cameron Reid may also move up to No. 18.
Expert Insights on Top Prospects
Skating coach Jordan Trach praised Roger McQueen, stating, “I think he has got substantially better in the last couple of years…If I’m looking at my draft list, I’m so excited about a 6-foot-6, right-handed shot centreman with skill. Those guys don’t come around often.”
A scout highlighted Matthew Schaefer’s intelligence and composure, noting, “He’s just a very mature, responsible player where nothing is too big for him…He has that ability to just make smart, simple, speedy plays, which is what wins you hockey games.”
Another scout described Porter Martone as a “Ryan Smyth type of guy,” emphasizing his size, skill, and willingness to compete. “He’s always around the action, he’s always around the net…He’s a pretty complete player who’s got size and brings an edge to his game.”
Penguins’ Trade Scenarios: How They Can Move Up
Given the Penguins’ aggressive pursuit of trades, let’s analyze realistic scenarios for them to move up the draft order. The team’s current position at No. 12 presents both opportunities and challenges. General manager Kyle Dubas has shown a willingness to deal; the crucial question is, what will it take, and who might be a willing partner?
The Penguins’ primary target appears to be landing a top-five pick to select either Porter Martone or James Hagens. To move up this far, they will likely need to part with notable assets, perhaps involving their first-round pick and perhaps one or more promising prospects or established NHL players.
Possible Trade Targets and Considerations:
- Chicago Blackhawks (No. 3 Pick): As mentioned, the Penguins have inquired about the Blackhawks’ pick. Chicago is rebuilding and potentially open to adding future assets, making them a possible partner. A package centered around the No. 12 pick, along with a top prospect like Owen Pickering from their farm system or a roster player such as Reilly Smith, *could* entice the Blackhawks.
- San Jose Sharks (No. 2 Pick): If the Sharks are not sold on a specific player at No. 2, they might be swayed by the Penguins’ offer. The sharks are also rebuilding, but have a stronger need for immediate help than the Blackhawks. The Penguins would need to greatly increase their offer.
- Anaheim Ducks(No. 4 Pick): With an abundance of young, skilled players already, the Ducks may be open to trading down to acquire more picks and prospects.The Penguins may need to add an established player or a higher pick to move up to this point, as it secures either Hagens or Martone.
What about other teams? Teams outside the top five could be enticed by the right package.However, be prepared for stiff competition from other teams vying for similar targets. A team like the Columbus Blue Jackets (No. 5 pick) might potentially be more hesitant unless they’re convinced Dubas is overpaying, or other players are available.
The Value of Picks: The value of draft picks isn’t linear. The difference between picking at No. 12 and, say, No. 5 can be significant. Moreover, trading into the top five significantly increases the Penguins’ chances of drafting a player expected to become a franchise cornerstone.
Are the Penguins willing to pay the price? A team’s willingness to trade up also depends on its assessment of the available talent. If the Penguins believe Martone or Hagens is a potential superstar, they may be more aggressive.If they consider the drop-off between prospective picks minimal, they may stick at No. 12.
Is There a “Perfect” Trade?
No single trade is perfect, but the Penguins have several levers to pull. It may depend on the target team’s needs. Some teams are willing to move a pick for immediate roster help from the Penguins (such as a top-nine forward) or more draft picks or a combination of the two.
Key Considerations: The Penguins will have to determine how high they’re willing to go.If their target player is available at No. 5, they may be happy to move their first-round pick, a future draft pick, and a young prospect. The No. 3 pick, however, would require a blockbuster offer. Even an undersized player,if a team truly believes in that player’s talent,is worth the risk of drafting.
The J.T. Miller Effect: The acquisition of the No. 12 pick in the J.T. Miller trade demonstrates Dubas’ willingness to make bold moves. That same pick is now the biggest currency to use when considering an advantageous trade-up.
The “Buyer Beware” Factor:
Trading up is risky.it means potentially giving up assets that could pay off in the future. But for a team like the Penguins, who see their championship window closing, the potential reward of landing a top-tier talent may justify the risk.
The Right Balance: The ideal trade scenario sees Pittsburgh acquiring the player they wont, without sacrificing too much of their future. This would be a balance of immediate impact and long-term strategy.
Potential Downsides
Teams that trade up frequently pay too much. Also, what happens if the Penguins offer their best assets, go to No. 3, and the player they have coveted for weeks, is selected prior to their draft turn? The team is then hamstrung. other teams may know this, and take advantage of the situation.
The best trade-up scenario for the Penguins likely involves a combination of the No. 12 pick, a promising prospect, and potentially a future draft pick. the specific team willing to partner depends on player availability and other teams’ offers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What’s the biggest challenge for the Penguins in trading up?
A: Finding a team willing to move from the top of the draft for the right price. Other teams, such as San Jose, Chicago, and Anaheim, have the assets the the Penguins covet.
Q: What specific assets are the Penguins moast likely willing to trade?
A: the No. 12 pick will be central to any trade. Promising prospects (Pickering) and future draft picks are likely to be included, too.
Q: Which teams are most likely to trade with the Penguins?
A: The sharks, Ducks, and Blackhawks could be the most willing partners, depending on their assessment of the draft class and existing needs. The Columbus Blue Jackets could be a dark horse, but likely wouldn’t take Pittsburgh’s best offer.
Q: What is the ideal trade for the Penguins?
A: the Penguins would hope to trade up to pick between 3 and 5, with a smaller player such as Lynden Lakovic.
Table of Contents
- NHL Draft Eve: Penguins Aggressively Pursuing Trades, Top Prospects Face Uncertainty
