Kyle Dubas is rapidly rebuilding Penguins' barren farm system

Based on NHL Draft history, not all of them will pan out. Players taken outside the top 10 have about a 60% chance of becoming NHL regulars and only about a 10% chance of becoming stars. But sometimes the best way to hit in the draft is to give yourself as many swings as possible.

Pittsburgh received the No. 12 overall pick from the New York Rangers (as part of a trade-deadline deal with the Vancouver Canucks, who originally acquired that pick from the Rangers). Then they used that pick to trade down with the Philadelphia Flyers for picks No. 22 and 31, using No. 31 (and their second-round pick) to move back up to the 24th overall pick. 

Dubas did not adhere to the mock drafts or public draft boards with his selections, instead emphasizing production over rankings or perceived flaws. Kindel (considered undersized) and Zonnon (not the best skater) in particular were two of the most productive players in this year's class, despite some physical flaws or shortcomings that may have dropped them down the draft board a little. 

That production might translate to the NHL, or it might not. When dealing with picks outside of the top 10, you are taking a chance.

The important thing for the Penguins is that it immediately pumped more young talent into the organization, which has been Dubas' biggest priority. 

Over the past two years, he has not only added the three first-round picks from Friday but high-end prospects, including forwards Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen (acquired through trades), defenseman Harrison Brunicke (drafted), and seen the emergence of goalie prospect Sergei Murashov. Murashov might be the highest-ceiling player in the farm system and the only player who might have franchise-changing ability. 

McGroarty and Koivunen already had promising and productive NHL debuts this season. 

While they are not going to trade franchise cornerstones Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, they still have solid veteran trade chips in Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, while owning 19 draft picks in the 2026 and 2027 classes. 

Pittsburgh is also expected to have a high pick in the 2026 class, which will feature significant talent at the top, including prized prospect Gavin McKenna.

The Penguins will likely struggle again this upcoming season. However, the vision of the front office is starting to play out as they rapidly increase the talent level in their farm system.