The Pittsburgh Penguins' draft record between 2019 and 2025 reads like a study in contrast, beginning with a string of missteps under former general manager Jim Rutherford and ending with a cautious optimism under Kyle Dubas. The early years were marked by selections that often served as trade chips, setting the stage for a period of rebuilding.
The Rutherford Era
During Rutherford the club frequently treated its draft picks as currency, moving them in deals that yielded short‑term gains but left the pipeline of home‑grown talent thin. The approach resulted in a series of high‑profile selections that failed to translate into NHL impact.
The 2019 first‑round choice, Sam Poulin, was taken 21st overall but struggled to develop, eventually signing with the Montreal Canadiens after a stint in the AHL. His experience encapsulated the difficulty of turning early picks into regular contributors.
The 2020 draft added goalie Joel Blomqvist at 52nd, a player whose career was derailed by injury and has yet to materialize in the league. Other selections from that class, such as Will Cuylle and Emil Andrae, saw limited NHL action, underscoring the volatility of the pipeline.
Mid‑decade prospects began to emerge. Tristan Broz, a 2021 fifth‑round pick, showed flashes of potential before appearing in only a single NHL game, while Owen Pickering, drafted 21st in 2022, has logged 29 NHL appearances and is still shaping his development curve. At the same time, Simon Holmstrom, selected two spots after Poulin by the Islanders, has posted 45 and 41 points in the last two NHL seasons, underscoring a different path of development. Connor McMichael, taken by the Washington Capitals, is beginning to establish himself as a key player for the St. Louis Blues.
Jimmy Snuggerud, selected 23rd in 2022, broke out with 21 goals and 51 points in 70 games last season, signaling a promising offensive upside. Brayden Yager, a 2023 pick, was later traded to the Winnipeg Jets, while Gabriel Perrault and Axel Sandin‑Pellika were notable selections with high ceilings.
A Shift Under Kyle Dubas
The trade that brought Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh ahead of the 2024 season also reshaped the draft strategy, with the franchise parting with its first‑round pick and selecting Harrison Brunicke at 44th overall. Brunicke’s strong AHL playoff performance hinted at a deeper defensive prospect pool.
Later that year, Tanner Howe, the 46th pick, battled injuries but managed to contribute during the postseason, though his long‑term ceiling remains uncertain. The 2025 class introduced Ben Kindel, Bill Zonnon and Will Horcoff, with Kindel becoming the first 18‑year‑old rookie to crack the lineup and immediately showcase offensive promise.
The evolving draft philosophy suggests a move away from treating selections as expendable assets toward a more patient, development‑focused model. If the upward trajectory of recent picks holds, the Penguins may finally begin to replenish their talent base from within.