GM Kyle Dubas Tasked With A Potentially Difficult Decision On Draft Day

The Pittsburgh Penguins are still in the middle of a potential playoff race as the season winds down. If the Penguins miss the playoffs however Kyle Dubas will have an incredibly difficult decision to make regarding the team's first round pick.

Penguins Potentially Could Keep Their First Round Pick

This past offseason the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Erik Karlsson. In doing so they ended up trading away their first round pick. When the deal was made a protection was put in place that if the pick was top ten the Penguins would have the opportunity to keep it. At the moment the Penguins would have to make that decision.


The Penguins have not had the opportunity to pick a prospect in the top ten in an incredibly long time. While this opportunity does not come around often one source does not believe they should take it even if the chance comes.

Insider Discusses If The Penguins Should Take Their Pick This Year

During this conversation, Shayna Goldman of The Athletic was asked for her opinion on the matter. Goldman believes that the relatively weak draft class this year makes the decision less cut and dry than normal.


The Penguins have confirmed multiple times throughout the year that they plan to continue contending as long as they have Sidney Crosby and this core. As Goldman states there are essentially no players beyond Macklin Celebrini who could come in and contribute in the window the Penguins need.

Holding onto the pick would also allow the Penguins to have a chance at drafting a player in the more strongly perceived 2025 NHL Draft. As the draft approaches, we will continue to update you on the Penguins' plan with their first-round pick.

As Read On - NHL Rumors - NHL Rumors: The Pittsburgh Penguins May Have a Tough Decision to Make for the 2024 NHL Draft