The hot stove is burning bright in Pittsburgh, and we’re not even in the thick of summer yet. The latest Pittsburgh Penguins rumors are pointing towards a potentially franchise-altering move at the 2025 NHL Draft. According to Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, the Penguins were already exploring ways to climb the draft board before the New York Rangers opted to send their 12th overall pick to complete the J.T. Miller trade. Now, with two first-round picks in their pocket, the chatter is only intensifying.
Wheeler reports the Penguins have been in contact with the Chicago Blackhawks about the coveted No. 3 overall selection. This isn’t just tire-kicking, folks. This is the kind of aggressive maneuvering that signals a team is looking to make a significant splash. From what I’m hearing, Kyle Dubas and his team have their sights set on some of the top talents in this draft class, and they’re not content to just sit back and see who falls to them at #11 and #12.
The Potential Targets: Martone, Hagens, and McQueen
The names being rumored in connection with a Penguins trade-up are enough to get any fan excited. Porter Martone is a name that keeps coming up, and for good reason. He’s a dynamic forward with the kind of top-five talent that can accelerate a retool. Landing him would almost certainly require a jump into that 3-5 range. Then there’s James Hagens, a highly skilled forward who the division-rival Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins are also reportedly high on in the 6-7 range. If the Penguins want their guy, they’ll have to be bold. Another intriguing option is the big-bodied forward Roger McQueen. While he might be available a little later than Martone and Hagens, I’d be surprised if he slips past the top ten.
What if the Penguins Stand Pat?
Of course, a trade-up is never a guarantee. If the price is too high, Dubas has shown a willingness to pivot. Should the Penguins hold onto their #11 and #12 picks, the focus appears to shift to bolstering the blue line. Lefty defensemen Kashawn Aitcheson and Jackson Smith are two prospects the Penguins have reportedly spent extra time with. Both would fill a significant need in the prospect pipeline, giving them a top left-shot defenseman to complement the emerging righty, Harrison Brunicke. Winger Lynden Lakovic is another name to watch in that range. And let’s not forget, Dubas has a history of trading back to accumulate more assets, so that door is never truly closed.
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