A large part of the Pittsburgh Penguins success has been their draft success. This article analyzes the teams top five draft hits since 2005. the Pittsburgh Penguins have built a legacy as one of the NHL’s best franchises. While top picks like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have led the team, the Penguins’ ability to find value in later rounds has been crucial to their success. Some of the team’s most impactful players were drafted outside of the first round, where they were developed into key contributors on multiple Stanley Cup-winning teams. This article highlights the Penguins’ five best draft picks since 2005—namely players whose value exceeds their draft position.
Five Best Penguins Draft Picks Since 2005
#5. Olli Määttä (2012) – Drafted 22nd Overall in Round One
Entering the 2012 draft, the Penguins were facing a transitional period. Star centre Jordan Staal had made it known he wanted to join his brother Eric in Carolina. While the 8th overall pick Derrick Pouliot received a bulk of the attention this night, 22nd overall pick Olli Maatta would go on to have a larger impact on the team. The Finnish defenceman became known for his poise and ability to play a responsible two-way game.
Impact
Määttä made an almost immediate impact on the Penguins. His early debut came in the 2013-2014 season as a 19-year-old. This was due to many injuries leading to a period of the season where all four of the Penguin’s top defenders were out with injuries. Maatta displayed maturity beyond his years, contributing both offensively and defensively as soon as he got into the lineup. He continued to play a key role all the way into the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. He provided valuable minutes on the blue line during these runs. Although his career in Pittsburgh had ups and downs, mainly due to injuries, Määttä’s steady play made him one of the Penguins’ best first-round picks of the post-2005 era.
#4. Bryan Rust (2010) – Drafted 83rd Overall in Round Three
Forward Bryan Rust was selected 83rd overall in the third round of the 2010 NHL Draft. Hailing from the NCAA system, Rust was seen as a utility player with potential that would need time to develop. As such, his selection did not have much immediate fanfare. However, the Penguins’ patience with Rust paid off handsomely in the long-term.
Impact
Rust has developed into one of the most versatile and reliable forwards in the Penguins’ lineup. He emerged as a key player during the Penguins’ 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup runs. His knack for scoring critical goals in the playoffs made him a fan favourite instantaneously. Rust’s speed, tenacity, and ability to play anywhere in the lineup make him invaluable to the roster. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him one of the most important players in the organization even now. Acquiring such an important player in the third round is a significant victory for the Penguins.
#3. Matt Murray (2012) – Drafted 113th Overall in Round Four
Taken in the fourth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Matt Murray was seen as a long-term goaltending project for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Although he was seen as a young goaltender with considerable potential, almost no one expected him to perform as well as he did as quickly as he did. However, Murray’s development turned out to be one of the best surprises for Pittsburgh at a time they needed him most.
Impact
Murray made his NHL debut in the 2015-16 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable starting goaltender. His career highlights came when he became a crucial part of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. Notably, Murray won the starting job from long-time starter Marc-André Fleury during both playoff runs. Murray’s calm under pressure and ability to handle postseason play at a young age paid off in spades. His incredible performances ensured the Penguins could get past tough opponents like the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ottawa Senators over the set of Cup runs. Murray’s two Stanley Cups make him one of Pittsburgh’s top draft steals since 2005.
#2. Jake Guentzel (2013) – Drafted 77th Overall in Round Three
Superstar forward Jake Guentzel was selected 77th overall in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. At the time, Guentzel was seen as a skilled forward with a high hockey IQ in need of a lot of development. Similarly to Murray and Rust, the Penguin’s development system around this time paid off in spades. Guentzel’s potential was realized and then some.
Impact
Jake Guentzel’s impact on the Penguins was immense. Making his debut during the 2016-2017 season, he immediately showcased his offensive talents. The star forward exploded in the 2017 playoffs, leading the Penguins with 13 goals as a rookie en route to their second straight Stanley Cup. Guentzel proved his ability to consistently produce with multiple 30 goals seasons. His chemistry with Sidney Crosby made them a dynamic duo in the NHL for many years. For being just a third-round pick, Jake Guentzel’s offensive prowess and playoff performances cement him as one of the Penguins’ best draft picks in recent memory.
#1. Kris Letang (2005) – 62nd Overall in Round Three
Franchise cornerstone Kris Letang was drafted 62nd overall in the third round of the 2005 NHL Draft. While he was known for his offensive ability as a defenseman, almost no one expected Letang to develop into one of the league’s elite blueliners due to his place being drafted in the later rounds.
Impact
Letang has been the backbone of Pittsburgh’s defence for more than a decade. His elite skating, offensive contributions, and ability to play heavy minutes in all situations have made him indispensable to the Penguins’ success. Letang’s long career with the Penguins spans over 1,000 games and over 700 points. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in two of the three Penguins’ Stanley Cup victories during his career. His performance in the 2016 Stanley Cup Final, where he scored the Cup-clinching goal, highlights his importance to the team. Letang’s offensive impact and longevity make him the Penguins best “hit” draft pick since 2005, and arguably the best defenceman in team history.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ success since the 2005 lockout is a testament to their ability to find hidden gems in the later rounds. Players like Kris Letang, Jake Guentzel, and Bryan Rust have played pivotal roles in the team’s core during Stanley Cup triumphs. Meanwhile Matt Murray and Olli Määttä have delivered key performances when the Penguins needed it most during these runs. The Penguins’ draft acumen during this time allowed them to remain competitive for over a decade. As such, these five players stand out as some of the best examples of Pittsburgh’s ability to find and develop talent through the NHL Draft.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
