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Homegrown Pittsburgh Talent Linked to the Penguins at the NHL Draft
While most people will be waiting for Pittsburgh's top two picks at the 2025 NHL Draft, it's now been revealed they could target a local kid later in the draft.
The Pittsburgh Penguins could change the fortunes of their franchise at the 2025 NHL Draft, and with picks No. 11 and 12 in the first round on Friday, it's safe to say that they'll target the best available player in both spots to add future talent to this organization.
However, they've got many more picks beyond that, with five picks between round two and four allowing them to take some major swings on players with upside as they look to replenish their prospect pool.
According to Josh Yohe, one player they could take a look at is Pennsylvania prospect L.J. Mooney, who has been solid with the U.S. National Development Team in recent years.
The sentimental mid-round pick: L.J. Mooney, U.S. National Team Development Program. Mooney is one of the most talented players in the draft, but there is one problem with the West Mifflin, Pa., native: He's only 5-7. Most projections have Mooney selected somewhere in the third, fourth or fifth round. Once upon a time, he was believed to be a top-10 pick, but his size will scare some teams away.
The Penguins have a history of bypassing local products in the draft, including Brandon Saad, J.T. Miller, Vince Trocheck, John Gibson and R.J. Umberger.
Dubas is well aware of Mooney, whose talent and heart have never been questioned. He is Logan Cooley's cousin.
The Penguins have a history of bypassing local products in the draft, including Brandon Saad, J.T. Miller, Vince Trocheck, John Gibson and R.J. Umberger.
Dubas is well aware of Mooney, whose talent and heart have never been questioned. He is Logan Cooley's cousin.
As Yohe mentions, the Penguins have been criticized in recent years for passing on local kids in the draft, and while Mooney has the talent, he's small at 5-foot-7, meaning they'll likely look at him in the third or fourth round to take a flier on him.
While the Penguins will likely be defined by who they choose at No. 11 and 12 in this years draft, if they can find some talent beyond that, it bodes well for the future of this organization, and if they take a chance on Mooney, it could pay off big time.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 25 | 112 ANSWERS Homegrown Pittsburgh Talent Linked to the Penguins at the NHL Draft Would Mooney be a good pick for the Pittsburgh Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 64 | 57.1 % |
| No | 48 | 42.9 % |
| List of polls | ||