Penguins Select Intriguing Swedish Prospect in Mock Draft by Top NHL Scout Scott Wheeler
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The Pittsburgh Penguins will select an intriguing Swedish prospect, according to a mock draft by top NHL scout Scott Wheeler.
Each year, Scott Wheeler releases his picks for the first round of the NHL Draft. Considered one of the biggest experts in the field, his predictions are always interesting to see.
Recently, with the NHL Draft Lottery confirming the ranks of half the teams in the league, he shared which players he believes teams will take at their ranks.
Here's what he said about the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Scott Wheeler predicts the Pittsburgh Penguins' draft pick
According to The Athletic's reporter, Kyle Dubas and the Penguins will draft Victor Eklund, a left winger from Sweden who scored 31 points in 42 games in the Swedish top league.
Wheeler wrote that Dubas is likely to go for a center, but at the 11th rank, the best options will be gone, and an interesting option at another position is Eklund.
He added that the winger is skilled and smart, competitive, and has the size, but finished by saying other players could interest the team, such as Lynden Lakovic.
In Wheeler's own words:
11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgårdens IF
Ideally, I think the Penguins would hope for one of the top centers to fall. If that doesn't happen, though, I don't think their pool-as improved as it is-can afford to reach for a center. The consensus top center left is Braeden Cootes, but he's a lower-upside bet, and Eklund, a skilled but competitive and smart right-shot winger, is the Kyle Dubas/Wes Clark type. I could see them looking to add some size, though, as well, and think a player like Lynden Lakovic could fit and go as early as this pick as well.
Ideally, I think the Penguins would hope for one of the top centers to fall. If that doesn't happen, though, I don't think their pool-as improved as it is-can afford to reach for a center. The consensus top center left is Braeden Cootes, but he's a lower-upside bet, and Eklund, a skilled but competitive and smart right-shot winger, is the Kyle Dubas/Wes Clark type. I could see them looking to add some size, though, as well, and think a player like Lynden Lakovic could fit and go as early as this pick as well.
Eklund has long been seen as a possible top-5 talent in this draft, with several scouting juggernauts such as The Hocley News and Dobber Prospects still having him ranked top-5 as we approach the draft.
It'll be interesting to see who Dubas and the Penguins decide to take at the draft. Make sure to stay tuned for all the latest details.
| POLL | ||
MAI 9 | 156 ANSWERS Penguins Select Intriguing Swedish Prospect in Mock Draft by Top NHL Scout Scott Wheeler Do you think Kyle Dubas and the Penguins should acquire more first round picks for this year's draft on the trade market? | ||
| Yes | 100 | 64.1 % |
| No | 56 | 35.9 % |
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