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On February 23rd, 2025, during a matchup at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby of the Penguins and Sam Carrick from the New York Rangers battled for puck control. Looking ahead to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft a month later, teams will face critical choices about scouting, trading, and player selections—decisions that involve the Pittsburgh Penguins in a significant way.
On January 31, the Penguins received a conditional first-round draft pick from the Vancouver Canucks after trading defenseman Marcus Petterson to Vancouver. This pick originally belonged to the New York Rangers but was quickly rerouted to Vancouver as part of a major deal involving JT Miller. The first-round pick carries conditions: the Rangers protect their top 13 picks in 2025 and have the option to defer the selection to 2026 if that year’s pick is unprotected. Since the Rangers hold the 12th overall pick, they can decide whether to use it in 2025 or push it to 2026.
There is ongoing debate over whether the Rangers should keep the pick this year or postpone it.
Reasons to Keep the Pick in 2025
The Rangers don’t appear to be building toward a losing season or tanking. Although they could try to tank for a top prospect like Gavin McKenna next year, it makes little sense considering they’ve hired a proven winning coach, Mike Sullivan, and are restructuring priorities with a roster and goaltenders who are starting to age and earn around $11 million. After clinching the Presidents’ Trophy in the 2023-24 season, they remain competitive with some roster adjustments. Opting to keep the pick now sends a message of confidence and ambition to players, unlike delaying and relying on potential lottery picks. The 2025 draft is deep, and securing a strong player at 12th overall could be crucial.
Reasons to Postpone the Pick to 2026
Conversely, the 2026 draft is anticipated to be stronger overall. Even if the Rangers pick later in the round due to mid-tier finishes, that draft class harbors substantial talent. Additionally, postponing the pick offers strategic value at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. If the Rangers are contending for playoffs, they could use the pick to acquire needed assets; if they are struggling, they could keep it for a possible lottery chance. This flexibility allows the team to adapt based on their performance and maximize the pick’s value.
From the Penguins’ perspective, acquiring a 2025 first-round pick now provides immediate opportunities to enhance their roster, as highlighted by their continued pursuit of key players like KHL star forwards and left defensemen this summer.
Pittsburgh Penguins management, including president and GM Kyle Dubas, has hinted at an active offseason aimed at strengthening the team’s chances moving forward, reflecting the importance of strategic draft picks in shaping their future.
Fan Take:
This trade and draft pick decision matter to hockey fans because it highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between immediate competitiveness and long-term planning. How the Rangers and Penguins manage these picks could influence their fortunes for years, showcasing the strategic depth behind every NHL draft.
