Round 1
The Pittsburgh Penguins made John Tavares the #1 overall pick in the 2009 CPHL entry draft and then watched Victor Hedman slip to them at the number 3 spot. With these first two picks the Pens seen the future of their team change in 5 minutes. The consensus top 2 picks for the upcoming NHL draft could potentailly crack the Pens team this season, but it is expected that the team will be patient with both guys.
The Pens then dealt the #17 overall pick in which they were set to select Scott Glennie along with the #67 overall pick to the Anahiem Mighty Ducks in exchange for winger Alex Tanguay. Tanguay is expected to fill in on the second line and play alongside Brad Richards. The Ducks used the pick to select Glennie.
The Pens held one more pick in the 1st round and used it to bring in Louis Leblance from Omaha of the USHL. The Pens are high on Louis work ethic and grit as well as his offensive touch.
Round 2
The Pens held two picks in the second round. With the 43rd overall pick swedish goaltender Robin Lehner was brought on board. The Pens stepped to the podium again with the 56th pick and selected gritty Finn Erik Haula.
Round 3
The Pens took a gamble on boom or bust offensive player Brandon Pirri. We see Pirri as having the upside to play top 6 minutes, but the downside to his game is that he doesn't have the offense to play a bottom 6 role.
With the last pick of the 3rd round the Pens nabbed WHL sniper Ryan Howse.
Round 4
The Pens used their first 4th round pick on another boom or bust prospect. Danny Mattson is headed to North Dakota next year and we are hoping he takes advantage of their great program to improve his all around game. The Pens also picked up solid QMJHL defenseman Gleason Fornier in the 4th round.
Round 5
The Pens finished off their draft day by taking Chris DeSousa from the OHL and slovak defenseman Martin Stajnoch.
It should be interesting to see how these picks look a week from now after the NHL draft.
Pens happy with their draft day!
