As Pittsburgh finds itself lacking young talent to support its aging core, this article ranks the top five Penguins draft busts since 2005. The Pittsburgh Penguins have experienced incredible success since 2005. However, the organization has also struggled with the incredible challenge of drafting and developing young talent. The organization has made many strong picks over the years, especially in the later rounds. However, there have also been many notable misses. These missed opportunities, whether due to injuries or a failure to meet expectations, have hurt the team’s ability to maintain a steady influx of talent to help prop up their core superstar players.
Top Five Pittsburgh Penguins Draft Busts Since 2005
#5. Zachary Lauzon (2017) – 2nd Round, 51st Overall
Defenceman Zachary Lauzon was selected 51st overall in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. As the highest pick of the defending Cup champions, this selection was seen as important for the future of the team. Lauzon was seen as a steady, defensive-minded defenceman with a large frame. His potential was that of a solid top-four defenceman for the team.
Impact
Unfortunately, Lauzon’s career would never get off the ground due to frequent bouts with concussions. Lauzon sustained multiple head injuries during his time in junior hockey in the QMJHL. He was eventually forced to retire from hockey before even signing an entry-level deal with Pittsburgh. Although injuries certainly happen, Lauzon’s selection was a missed opportunity for the cup champion team to add depth to their defence for the future. Given his lack of contribution and early retirement, Lauzon stands as one of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ most notable draft busts in recent years relative to draft position.
#4. Daniel Sprong (2015) – 2nd Round, 46th Overall
In the 2015 NHL Draft, the Penguins selected Daniel Sprong with the 46th overall pick in the second round. Sprong was recognized for his dynamic offensive skills and lethal shot. He was projected to become a top-six forward with incredible offensive capabilities.
Impact
Although Sprong showed flashes of his offensive talent during his brief stints with the Penguins, his inability to play a two-way game kept him from securing a regular spot in the lineup. While skilled, Sprong’s lack of responsibility in the defensive zone meant he would struggle to crack into the lineup regularly. This led to multiple stints back-and-forth between the NHL and the minors. He was eventually traded for Marcus Pettersson, a defenceman that has developed incredibly well in the Penguins system. While Sprong has found some success as a journeyman offensive forward, his lack of two-way capabilities has continued to keep him from finding a permanent spot in an NHL lineup. Sprong’s inability to earn trust on top lines and lack of skill set on the bottom lines have made this pick a disappointment for the organization.
#3. Beau Bennett (2010) – 2nd Round, 52nd Overall
Forward Beau Bennett was drafted 52nd overall in the second round of the 2010 NHL Draft. He was touted as a highly-skilled winger with the potential to become a top six forward for a high-octane Pittsburgh team.
Impact
Despite showing flashes of offensive talent during his time with the Penguins, Bennett’s career was plagued by constant injuries. Bennett struggled to stay healthy during his time in Pittsburgh, playing in just 129 games over four seasons. Although Bennett demonstrated his potential when in the lineup, his inability to stay on the ice limited his contributions. Bennett would eventually be moved to the New Jersey Devils in 2016. Although Bennett was not a bust from a skill sense, he was projected to become a premier sniper for the Penguins alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. Instead, his persistent troubles make him one of the most disappointing stories in recent franchise history.
#2. Samuel Poulin (2019) – 1st Round, 21st Overall
In 2019, the Penguins used their first-round pick for the first time in five seasons. Samuel Poulin was selected 21st overall pick in the first round. Poulin was known for his size and offensive instincts. He was a budding power forward with a penchant for offence. This made him an attractive prospect for a team looking to replenish its forward depth.
Impact
Although Poulin is still relatively young, he has struggled to live up to the expectations of a first-round pick. He has spent the vast majority of his time in the AHL and has yet to carve out a spot on the Penguins roster. Poulin still has the potential to develop into an NHL contributor. However, his development has been slow and he has shown limited impact in the time given to him thus far. The organization rarely made first round picks during the Crosby era. This compounds the disappointment in Poulin. He was expected to blossom into a key part of the Pittsburgh Penguin’s top six but has only recently started doing well in the AHL this past season.
#1. Derrick Pouliot (2012) – 1st Round, 8th Overall
Derrick Pouliot was selected 8th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. He was part of a highly anticipated draft class for the Penguins. The 8th overall pick was sent from the Carolina Hurricanes to the Penguins as the centrepiece of a blockbuster trade for star centreman Jordan Staal. Following the trade, general manager Ray Shero selected defenceman Derrick Pouliot. He was seen as an elite offensive defenceman with the potential to quarterback Pittsburgh’s power play for years to come.
Impact
Despite his high draft status, Pouliot never lived up to the hype. He was hailed as the future of the Penguin’s defence. Some even expected him to take the defensive torch from superstar Kris Letang. However, Pouliot struggled with inconsistency, defensive lapses, and issues with conditioning. These issues would derail his time in the organization. He would struggle mightily with establishing himself as an NHL regular in the Penguins lineup. He was eventually traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2017. Pouliot’s failure to develop into a permanent defenceman, let alone a top-pairing one, despite his high expectations, makes him one of the most busts in Pittsburgh Penguin history. Additionally, with players like Filip Forsberg and Jacob Trouba taken after him, Pouliot’s selection represents a large, missed opportunity in bridging the gap between the current Penguins superstars and a lack of young players able to support them.
Conclusion
While the Penguins have had a number of successful draft picks over the years, these five picks stand out as significant disappointments. From the injury-plagued careers of players like Beau Bennett and Zachary Lauzon to the underwhelming performances of prospects like Derrick Pouliot and Daniel Sprong, these picks represent missed opportunities for the Penguins. These players’ struggles serve as reminders of the unpredictability of the NHL draft and highlight the importance of a strong draft and development team. Failing to have these systems in place has had tangibly negative effects on the current state of the organization. As players like Crosby, Malkin, and Letang age, the legacy of these players in Pittsburgh will be as mishaps that should have been able to stand alongside the core of the team to elongate the team window of contention.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
