JUST NOW: Reasons for the Penguins to exchange the 12th overall pick…
For the first time in franchise history, Pittsburgh holds consecutive picks—11th and 12th overall—allowing 
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2. Boosting the Prospect Pool Quickly
GM Kyle Dubas has emphasized adding youth and draft capital to support Crosby/Malkin-era hockey, aiming to blend veteran leadership with peaking young talent
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The deep 2025 draft class makes late first-rounders more appealing: they’re not just filler picks but hold real upside .
3. Strategic Flexibility
With picks in both 2025 and 2026 (conditioned via the Miller trade), Pittsburgh gains leverage: either draft players now or use the extra pick as trade bait later
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Having consecutive selections could allow the Pens to move up for a targeted player—like Porter Martone or Brady Martin—if scouting shows a critical need
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4. Capitalizing On Drafting Strength
Recent drafts have shown diminishing returns on first-round picks, while Pittsburgh thrives at finding value in later rounds. This strategy of picking late first-rounders and developing under-the-radar talent aligns with past success (e.g., Guentzel, Rust, Murray)
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Reddit fans note:
“The Penguins have won 2 Stanley Cups from the time of the last 8 drafts… They really don’t care about picks right about now.”
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5. Playing the ‘Win‑Now’ Clock
With Crosby, Malkin, Letang still active but aging, the Pens are in a tactical window: retool without fading too quickly. Dubas isn’t committing to a full rebuild, but wants to refresh the lineup now to stay competitive
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Adding two first-rounders allows them to rejuvenate the roster immediately—not years down the line.
6. Using the Pick as Leverage, Not Inventory
Draft capital isn’t always for drafting. Pittsburgh can flip picks for roster upgrades at the deadline or even during the draft bubble .
🎯 Bottom Line
The 12th overall pick not only doubles Pittsburgh’s first-round haul, but also amplifies their flexibility—whether that’s selecting two coveted prospects or trading up. It aligns with Kyle Dubas’s hybrid strategy: win now, retool smartly, and extend the prime of Crosby & Co. by infusing top-end talent.
By securing picks 11 and 12, the Pens strengthen their toolkit: immediate contributors, trade leverage, or future gems. It’s a calculated balance between present contention and preparing for the near future.
Let me know if you’d like updated mock draft projections, prospect profiles, or analysis of how this pick could be used in various trade scenarios!
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JUST NOW: Reasons for the Penguins to Exchange the 12th Overall Pick
The Pittsburgh Penguins are armed with a rare luxury heading into the 2025 NHL Draft — back-to-back first-round picks at 11th and 12th overall. But as surprising as it was to acquire the 12th pick from the New York Rangers, it may be even more surprising if they don’t trade it.
Here are the key reasons why the Penguins may look to exchange the 12th overall pick:
🧩 1. Trade Up for a Top-10 Talent
With picks #11 and #12, Pittsburgh is one of the few teams positioned to make an aggressive move into the top 5–8 range. If GM Kyle Dubas and his scouting staff have identified a franchise-altering player — a top center or mobile defenseman — they could use pick #12 (along with #11 or other assets) to jump ahead of rival rebuilders.
Why it matters:
Franchise players like Ivan Demidov or Artyom Levshunov won’t be available at 12. If the Penguins see one slipping, they’ll pounce.
🔄 2. Package It for Immediate Help
Pittsburgh still wants to contend while Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are around. Trading the #12 pick for a proven top-six winger, second-pairing defenseman, or even a young goalie could provide a boost now — not three years down the road.
Ideal scenario:
A rebuilding team needs a pick; the Penguins need a player ready today. It’s a classic win-win.
🏗️ 3. Stockpile Future Assets
Not every draft is created equal. With the 2025 draft considered deep, the Pens might flip #12 for a 2026 first-rounder (plus extras), especially if they believe that next year’s pool is stronger or better fits their prospect timeline.
Strategic benefit:
Turn one good pick today into multiple strong assets tomorrow.
🧠 4. Draft Capital = Trade Leverage
Even if the Penguins keep the 11th pick, having #12 gives them leverage during the draft itself. Teams may want to move up, and Pittsburgh can charge a premium. Dubas could slide back a few spots, gain a second-rounder, and still draft a top target.
Example:
Drop to #15–17, add a second or third, and still walk away with a quality forward or defenseman.
📉 5. Uncertain Prospect Board
If Pittsburgh doesn’t love who’s likely to be available at 12 — or believes there’s a large tier of similar players — moving the pick might be smarter than reaching or settling. This draft features quality depth but questionable separation in the mid-first round.
Final Take
The Penguins aren’t just drafting — they’re playing chess. With two first-round picks and aging superstars to support, GM Kyle Dubas has options. Whether it’s trading up for elite talent, flipping the 12th for NHL-ready help, or cashing in on future assets, don’t be shocked if pick #12 is on the move before it’s even made.
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