Samuel Poulin, selected 21st overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, has yet to make a significant impact at the NHL level. After spending time with the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the QMJHL, Poulin scored 20 goals and 35 points in 56 AHL games. Over the past two seasons, Poulin has spent time acclimating to the style of play in professional hockey. As he continues to develop within the Penguins organization, the 2024-2025 season will be a critical year for Poulin. With limited NHL playing time so far, this upcoming season presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate his readiness and potential to contribute at the highest level. There is a potential opening on Sidney Crosby‘s wing that Poulin could potentially fit well into. His performance will be closely watched as the Pittsburgh Penguins assess whether he can fulfill the expectations that come with being a first-round pick.
Derrick Pouliot, chosen 8th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft, struggled to meet the high expectations that come with being a top-ten pick. Pouliot was highly touted as his time in the AHL prior to his NHL call-up was successful. He scored 70 points in 114 games with the Wilkes-Barre Penguins. Despite showing flashes of potential, Pouliot’s time with the Penguins was marked by inconsistency and limited production. After his stint in Pittsburgh, he moved through several teams, never finding his footing in the NHL. Pouliot did not perform to potential or bring back significant assets for the organization, ranking him low on this list.
10. Joe Morrow (2011, 23rd overall)
Joe Morrow, drafted 23rd overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, did not play a single NHL game during his time with the Penguins. He played primarily in the AHL before being traded to the Dallas Stars. The return brought defenceman Douglas Murray to Pittsburgh. While Morrow’s individual contributions to the Penguins were minimal, the trade that sent him to Dallas helped the team bolster their defense for a playoff run. Murray failed to provide much support to the team during their 2013 playoff run. However, Joe Morrow provided the organization value through acting as a trade piece for a top asset during the 2013 trade deadline.
Beau Bennett, selected 20th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft, showed significant promise and skill as a prospect. During his time with the Penguins, Bennett managed to tally 41 points in 129 games, showcasing his talent and highlighting the impact he could have had. However, his career in Pittsburgh was consistently hampered by injuries, preventing him from reaching his potential. Despite these setbacks, Bennett appeared to be the type of winger who would have thrived in the Penguins’ top six during that era, providing offensive depth and versatility to a roster in desperate need of it. His ranking here reflects both the skill he had and the unfortunate injuries that plagued his career.
8. Angelo Esposito (2007, 20th overall)
Angelo Esposito, taken 20th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft, never played a game in the NHL. This alone makes Esposito’s career in the NHL a bust. However, Esposito’s value to the Penguins came through his prescence in one of the most impactful trades in team history. He was a key piece in the trade that brought Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to Pittsburgh from the Atlanta Thrashers in 2008. This trade significantly bolstered the Penguins’ roster, leading to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2008 and setting the stage for their Cup victory in 2009. Pascal Dupuis went on to play for the Penguins for another 8 years before being forced to retire due to health issues. Esposito’s time with the Pittsburgh Penguins serves as the prototypical SCENARIO an NHL GM hopes for when trading away young first round picks.
Ryan Whitney, drafted 5th overall in the 2002 NHL Draft, made a significant impact during his tenure with the Penguins. The defenceman contributed 150 points in 253 games as a skilled two-way defenceman. His ability to drive play from the back end was pivotal in the mid-2000s. Additionally, Whitney’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks in 2009 brought back Chris Kunitz, who played a crucial role in the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017. Kunitz became Sidney Crosby’s longest tenured winger, and an invaluable presence to the roster. Whitney’s career with the Penguins and the valuable asset he helped acquire highlight his importance to the franchise.
6. Olli Maatta (2012, 22nd overall)
Olli Maatta, selected 22nd overall in the 2012 NHL Draft, played a crucial role in the Penguins’ defensive corps for a number of years. Maatta contributed to the Penguins back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017 through his play. Known for his steady defensive play and occasional offence, Maatta accumulated 107 points in 362 games with the Penguins. His reliability and consistency on the blue line were vital during the team’s successful playoff runs. Maatta’s contributions to the Penguins’ championships show his importance in the team’s recent history.
Brooks Orpik, drafted 18th overall in the 2000 NHL Draft, was a stalwart of the Penguins’ defence for over a decade. He was praised for his physical play and leadership. Orpik played 703 games with Pittsburgh, amassing 132 points and a reputation as a hard-hitting defenceman. His contributions were instrumental in the Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup victory, where his defensive prowess was on full display. Orpik’s role in the team’s success during his tenure make him an important past Penguin. After leaving Pittsburgh, Orpik continued to find success with the Washington Capitals, further underscoring his value as a top-tier defenceman.
Jordan Staal, drafted 2nd overall in the 2006 NHL Draft, was a premier talent for the Penguins during his six seasons with the team. Staal contributed 248 points in 431 games along with strong two-way play. Staal was an invaluable third-line centre during the 2009 Stanley Cup run. His defensive ability and clutch scoring were crucial to the team’s success. In 2012, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Brandon Sutter, the eighth overall pick, and Brian Dumoulin. Sutter served as the Penguins’ third centre for several years before being traded for Nick Bonino. Dumoulin played a key defensive role, also winning two Cups with Pittsburgh. Staal’s blend of skill, leadership, along with the significant assets he brought in trade places him as one of the most important first round picks since the year 2000 for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Marc-Andre Fleury, selected 1st overall in the 2003 NHL Draft, was a franchise cornerstone for the Pittsburgh Penguins for over a decade. As the starting goaltender, Fleury was instrumental in the Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup victory. In the 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup runs, Fleury’s role evolved as he became a rotating goaltender alongside Matt Murray. His performances in the early rounds of the 2017 playoffs against the Blue Jackets and Capitals were crucial in ensuring the team’s path to the Cup. Fleury also holds numerous franchise records, including the most wins and shutouts in team history. His leadership and personality were vital to the team’s championship identity. In 2017, he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft, where he continued to excel. Fleury’s legacy is as one of the best goaltenders in Penguins history.
