Pittsburgh Penguins: Draft Options for the 31st Pick

After winning the Stanley Cup, the Pittsburgh Penguins have the 31st pick in the NHL draft this Friday.

The pick would have been #30, however the addition of the new Vegas Golden Knights has made the first round one pick longer. The Pittsburgh Penguins may not be have the first chance at the highest crop of prospects, but there surely will be great players available when we step up to the podium.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Here are a few options the Penguins could look at when it comes to their 31st pick.

Maxime Comtoise, LW, Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL

Maxime Comtoise is a gifted winger who put up 60 points in 62 games last season with the Victoriaville Tigres of the QMJHL, and 51 points in 64 games this season.

Currently ranked 30th on the NHL’s Central Scouting list, he is a big, powerful forward who can play in all zones. If he drops to 31st, he may be a diamond in the rough for the Penguins.

Filip Chytil, C, Zlin

Chytil is currently ranked #11 by Central Scouting among European skaters. He is a talented skater who can make plays and gets gritty. Last season, he put up 50 points in 30 games. It seems as though he will likely be available around our pick as well.

The Penguins could benefit from piling centre prospects. It always helps to be strong up the middle (see Malkin and Crosby).

Jaret Anderson-Dolan, C, Spokane Chiefs, WHL

Here’s a player who I personally think can be special. Anderson-Dolan put up 76 points in 72 games this season for the Chiefs. He is currently ranked #21 among North American skaters, and after his breakout season this year he could be one of the steals of the draft.

He is explosive and everything about him is fast. His hands, his speed, and his shot elevate his game to the next level. His smaller frame may be a disadvantage, but he can develop well as a winger as well. Chances are a team gets very lucky picking him, perhaps the Penguins could be the ones to choose him.