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Pittsburgh Penguins Talk: Grading the Penguins 2017 NHL Draft

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty-one first round selections in the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty-one first round selections in the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin (8) skates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Nashville Predators in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin (8) skates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Nashville Predators in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Matthew Rodrigopulle

Grade: B

We were the Stanley Cup Champions, and therefore we knew we wouldn’t be getting lottery picks or the best players in the draft, but that’s OK. There is plenty of talent available if we go looking for it.

I didn’t expect the Penguins to do amazing because of our lack of high picks, and I had a feeling that a win-now team like us would trade away a pick or two. Even though I didn’t think it was necessary, trading the 31st pick was expected.

The Penguins chose to stock up on defenceman, and I think that was a great idea. With the injuries that we’ve seen happen to our blue line, it’s pretty easy to see where we are lacking as a team. We are obviously the best team in the league, but we need to address holes. We have some holes on our blue line, so it’s a good thing we drafted these defenceman. Who knows, maybe one can become the next Kris Letang.

Next: Brian Elliot Could Be Our New Backup

We didn’t go all out, but we did make some unnecessary moves like the Ryan Reaves trade. This is why I am giving them a B.

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