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Imposing Physical Defenseman Linked to the Penguins by Analysts
The Penguins are gearing up for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, and a huge physical defenseman could be just the man the team goes for with their first selection.
With Dan Muse hired as the new head coach, the Pittsburgh Penguins are now focusing on the 2025 NHL Draft.
Picking at 11th overall in the first round and having only one pick to work with in the first round, the Penguins have plenty of needs to address.
One of those is of most note on the blue line, and one name that has been making some noise is OHL blueliner Kashawn Aitcheson.
Aitcheson's playing style is physical and gritty, and he plays that way, but he does have offensive upside. In 64 games for the Barrie Colts this season, he had 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points.
Aitcheson was a top 10 defenseman statistically in the OHL
That ranked third in the OHL among defensemen in goals and seventh overall in points. His numbers were well up from last season, and 20 points better than his 2023-24 numbers.
While other names like Lynden Lakovic have been connected with the Penguins' draft choice, most expect Lakovic to be off the board when it's Pittsburgh's turn.
NHL draft guru Scott Wheeler is among those who think Lakovic will not be available for Kyle Dubas.
"Going into the combine, Lynden Lakovic is a name I kept hearing a number of the teams in the 11-19 range liked," Wheeler said. "Then he did well in his interviews, by the sounds of it. I think he's going to go higher than people think, and I think the Penguins are the start of where he's in the mix. But lefties Aitcheson and Jackson Smith make a lot of sense for their pool, which has emerging righty Harrison Brunicke but little coming on the left side. The Penguins also spent time with both at the combine."
The Penguins will make their selection at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Friday, June 27.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 14 | 83 ANSWERS Imposing Physical Defenseman Linked to the Penguins by Analysts Should the Penguins draft Kashawn Aitcheson? | ||
| Yes | 54 | 65.1 % |
| No | 29 | 34.9 % |
| List of polls | ||