Penguins Draft Review
The Penguins stepped up to the podium a total of 8 times during the CPHL draft( 3 x 1st, 2 x 2nd, 2 x 3rd, 1 x 5th ) This was a little different than past drafts as the Pens usually scout the top 2 rounds heavily and do not draft later picks do to roster limits.
Round 1:
5th overall Matthew Tkachuk (6th overall NHL) He was number for on our list, but we figured that realistically Tkachuk or Dubois would end up 6th in the NHL draft. I really like his offensive game and think that it will translate to the NHL level really well.
7th overall Clayton Keller (7th overall NHL) Probably the guy that intrigued me the most in the entire draft. This kid has an abundance of skill and was a real wild card on where he would fall. I think that he has the biggest potential to be a star of all the guys left in this spot. Hopefully he models only his on ice game after Patrick Kane and nothing off ice. We were happy to see him go to Arizona where he will have lots of time to develop and can form a 1-2 punch with Strome I the future.
14th overall Michael Mcleod (12th overall NHL) We were high on Mcleods skating and hockey IQ. He seems to be a big game player. Landing in New Jersey I the NHL is a great spot for him because I think he has a clear path to develop into their top line center eventually.
Round 2:
39th Adam Fox (66th NHL ) Fox was very high on our list and I was happy to land him in this spot. He has a high hockey IQ and a great offensive game. I can see him spending a few years in college and growing into a solid top 4 NHL defenseman in the future.
40th Adam Mascherin ( 38th NHL) Really liked this guys shot and work ethic, he is short but he is stocky and strong and I do not see size being an issue. If he develops properly I can see him scoring in the NHL.
Round 3
82nd Jacob Cederholm (96th NHL) I can see this kid becoming a bottom pairing shutdown guy eventually. Huge size, great skating and very low risk. At this stage in the draft I was just throwing darts on guys that I could see making the NHL in any capacity.
85th Will Knierim (undrafted NHL ) Big tough kid who plays a gritty style. I thought someone would take a flyer on him because of his sandpaper and work ethic. Will probably send this guy to a team that needs bodies.
Round 5
127th Colton Point (128 NHL) Wanted to take a flyer on a goalie and Point seems to have the size and pedigree to get to the NHL if his development path works out. He is a long term project for sure and one I may be patient with. Funny enough he went at nearly the identical spot in the NHL and to the Dallas Stars who always seem to have a tough time finding a good goalie.
Overall we were very happy with the draft. Our 1st round picks fell exactly how we wanted and getting Tkachuk was a huge bonus as we did not expect him to be there.
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