Every team in the top 11 of the NHL Draft were awaiting to see if they won the first overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery and if they would have the chance to select Matthew Schaefer or Michael Misa. The Penguins actually had a chance on the final ball if it had come up a 10 or a 1 to win the first overall pick.
But it was not to be as the New York Islanders lucky number 13 was the last ball that came up and won them the chance at Schaefer or Misa. And then on the draw for the second overall pick, the Utah Hockey Club won it, which moves the Penguins down 2 slots to pick number 11 in this year's draft.
It was a very unfortunate luck draw and result, but it is what it is and proves that tanking does not work as both teams finished with more wins and points than the Penguins and still won the draws.
The Penguins will pick 11th overall at the 2025 #NHLDraft. pic.twitter.com/KgnCGiKU2q
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 5, 2025
Penguins will still get a good player at 11
Let the arguing and bickering begin as the fall to 11 makes the Penguins fall out of the top 10 and out of the running for what fans would call a "premier" player. But no matter that they fell out of the top 10, they will still get someone really good.
Penguins fans need to trust the process and let Kyle Dubas cook. He has always been very good at drafting and will find a really good player for the Penguins at number 11.
There is also the fact that if the Rangers decide to give the Penguins their pick in the first round this year instead of next year, the Penguins could either have back-to-back picks in the first round, or they could trade the Rangers pick for a young player.
There are a lot of options and Kyle Dubas is the right guy to make these decisions.