A New Era Begins: Penguins Focus on Size, Skill at 2025 Draft

Benjamin Kindel, F — Round 1, 11th Overall

The Pittsburgh Penguins selected forward Benjamin Kindel with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. While some considered the selection a reach based on pre-draft rankings, Kindel is a high-upside prospect. He’s an extremely intelligent playmaker with the vision and hockey IQ to develop into a major impact player at the NHL level.

Bill Zonan, F — Round 1, 22nd Overall

The Penguins traded down from the 12th overall pick and used the 22nd selection to draft forward Bill Zonan. Zonan is an extremely skilled shooter with a lethal wrist shot and the potential to develop into a high-end goal scorer at the NHL level. He posted 83 points, including 28 goals, in 64 games with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies this season, showcasing his impressive offensive upside.

Will Horcoff, C — Round 1, 24th Overall

The Penguins selected center Will Horcoff with the 24th overall pick. While the pick was considered a reach by some draft boards, Horcoff brings intriguing upside. He’s a standout defensive forward with excellent backchecking ability and a knack for disrupting plays. Projected as a potential bottom-six center and penalty kill specialist, Horcoff could develop into a reliable shutdown presence at the NHL level.

Peyton Kettles, D — Round 2, 39th Overall

The Penguins selected defenseman Peyton Kettles with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. At 6'6" and just 17 years old, Kettles is a shutdown-style blueliner with the size and defensive instincts to neutralize opposing offenses. While his game is primarily defensive, he showed flashes of offensive potential with 14 points (5 goals) in 53 games in the WHL this season. Kettles also brings established chemistry, having previously played alongside current Penguin Owen Pickering as his defensive partner.

Charlton Trethewey, D — Round 3, 73rd Overall

The Penguins went back-to-back with defensemen, selecting Charlton Trethewey at 73rd overall. Standing tall at 6'2", Trethewey brings strong offensive upside and was considered a value pick at this stage of the draft. An offensive-minded defenseman, he’s known for his elite passing, puck movement, and net-front presence. While consistency remains a concern, if he can refine the weaker areas of his game, Trethewey has the potential to develop into a top-pairing defenseman at the NHL level.

Gabriel D’Aigle, G — Round 3, 84th Overall

The Penguins selected goaltender Gabriel D’Aigle with the 84th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Standing at 6'4", D’Aigle has the size and raw tools NHL teams covet in a modern netminder. While he has struggled to post a save percentage above .900 in the QMJHL, his athleticism and mobility are impressive. Viewed as a long-term project, D’Aigle has the potential to develop into a reliable NHL goaltender with the right coaching and patience

Brady Peddle, D — Round 3, 91st Overall

Kyle Dubas continued his trend of targeting big, physical defensemen with the selection of Brady Peddle at 91st overall. Peddle is a tough, hard-hitting blueliner who brings a commanding physical presence to the ice. He excels in defensive-zone coverage and isn’t afraid to make his presence felt with powerful checks. Projected as a bottom-pairing shutdown defenseman, Peddle has the tools to become a reliable and gritty contributor at the NHL level.

Travis Hayes, F — Round 4, 105th Overall

After selecting four straight defensemen and a goaltender, the Penguins returned to the forward group by drafting Travis Hayes at 105th overall. The younger brother of Penguins prospect Avery Hayes, Travis played for Kyle Dubas’ former team, the Soo Greyhounds, where he recorded 51 points in 65 games last season. Though undersized, Hayes plays with grit and determination, showing no hesitation when battling against bigger defenders. His relentless motor and strong on-ice presence make him an intriguing depth forward with upside.

Ryan Miller, F — Round 5, 130th Overall

With the 130th overall pick, the Penguins selected center Ryan Miller from the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. Standing at 6 feet tall, Miller is a strong two-way forward known for his board play and ability to perform under pressure. He elevated his game in the postseason, tallying 13 points in 16 playoff games to help Portland reach the conference final. Miller also brings a physical edge, capable of delivering heavy hits, making him a well-rounded centerman with promising upside.

Quinn Beauchesne, D — Round 5, 148th Overall

Quinn Beauchesne was a strong value pick for the Penguins at 148th overall, as many projected him to go much earlier in the draft. An elite skater with constant energy, Beauchesne excels at moving the puck and creating offense from the blue line. He recorded 24 points in 49 games with the Guelph Storm in the OHL, showcasing his offensive upside. Defensively, he’s reliable and positionally sound, making him a well-rounded, two-way defenseman with strong potential.

Jordan Charron, F — Round 5, 154th Overall

With the 154th pick in the draft, the Penguins selected forward Jordan Charron from the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds. Standing at 6'1", Charron is a left-handed shot who plays on the right wing and brings a strong two-way presence to the ice. He’s an excellent puck carrier who isn’t afraid to engage defensively and play a responsible game in all three zones. Charron posted 21 points in 48 games this season and is seen as a high-motor, defensively responsible winger with room to grow offensively.

Carter Sanderson, F — Round 6, 169th Overall

With the 169th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Penguins selected forward Carter Sanderson from the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks. At 6'1" and nearly draft-ineligible due to his August birthday, Sanderson was one of the youngest players available. He posted 11 points in 48 regular-season games and added one point in 13 playoff contests, helping Muskegon win the Clark Cup. While his offensive numbers don’t jump off the page, Sanderson plays with relentless energy and a team-first mindset. A highly competitive forward with strong defensive instincts, he’s committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2026–27 season. Pittsburgh views him as a long-term developmental piece with intriguing upside.

Kale Dach, F — Round 7, 201st Overall

With their final pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Penguins selected forward Kale Dach at 201st overall. Despite no relation to NHLers Kirby or Colton Dach, Kale brings his offensive firepower to the table. He tallied an impressive 87 points in 54 games in the BCHL, with 65 of those coming as assists. Dach is a smart, creative playmaker with strong vision and a deceptive passing game. He’s set to join the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen next season, where he’ll play alongside first-round pick Ben Kindel, before heading to Penn State University in 2026–27. A seventh-round swing with upside, Dach adds another intriguing name to Pittsburgh’s forward pipeline.