Kyle Dubas is the general manager of the Penguins. Bruce Bennett / Getty Images
June 26, 2026 6:00 am EDT Updated
The Pittsburgh Penguins have five picks in the 2026 NHL Draft: Nos. 22, 39, 54, 86, 170. Here’s what to expect.
View from the beat
The Penguins may well trade up for a top-six-style forward, and they badly need an infusion of top-end skill. More than anything, though, they need defensemen. In Harrison Brunicke, they have a player clearly on pace to be in the NHL soon. Other than him, though, they are thin on the blue line. They have guys who might make it to the NHL, but no sure things. They could use a couple. Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang aren’t getting younger. — Josh Yohe
Pronman’s team needs
Pittsburgh picked three forwards in the 2025 draft, including Ben Kindel, who played in the NHL right away. Harrison Brunicke is a quality defense prospect, but the Penguins are lacking a true premium puck-mover in their system.
Names to watch
In recent mock drafts, Corey Pronman has projected the following picks:
22. JP Hurlbert, LW
39. Jakub Vanecek, D
54. Markus Ruck, C
86. Tyus Sparks, C
170, William Manchuso, C
Jun 27, 2026
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