The Pittsburgh Penguins own both the 11th and 12th overall picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, with the 12th pick acquired from the New York Rangers in a trade for forward J.T. Miller during the 2024-25 season.
It’s not often that a franchise has the chance to select twice in the opening round of the NHL Draft, but that is the situation that the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in.
While the Penguins have plenty of talent to choose from, it appears they may be leaning toward a prospect with the potential to produce 70 or more points in a season.
What Stands Out in Victor Eklund’s Scouting Report for the Pittsburgh Penguins?
ESPN’s Rachel Doerrie has mock-drafted left-wing forward Victor Eklund to the Penguins with the 11th overall selection.
In her scouting report, she highlights Eklund’s potential to score over 70 points and notes that his playing style fits well with the demands of today’s game.
“He plays a style that translates well to the NHL and has the potential to produce 70-plus points in a top-line role,” she wrote. “His excellent forechecking ability, willingness to engage physically, fearlessness driving to the middle of the ice and two-way play give him the tools to be a Seth Jarvis type of player.”
Doerrie then notes that Eklund will have the chance to learn from future Hall of Fame players on the Penguins’ roster, such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, as he begins to get his feet wet at the NHL level.
“He’ll probably be NHL-ready sooner than later, and for a team with as many veterans as the Penguins, that matters. Having Eklund learn from the future Hall of Famers in the twilight of their career could have a lasting developmental impact that vaults Eklund toward his ceiling as a first-line engine.”
The chapter in Pittsburgh led by some of the franchise’s elite veteran talents is nearing its end. It won’t be long before the team begins a new era, building around fresh faces ready to step up and carry the Penguins forward.
Malkin is entering the final year of his current contract and may choose to retire after the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, Crosby recently signed a two-year extension but could also decide to move on or retire once that deal ends.
With the introduction of new head coach Dan Muse, it won’t be long before the next wave of talent begins to make their mark in Pittsburgh, and Eklund could very well soon be a part of that process.
