Pittsburgh Penguins Targeting Top Swedish Prospect Ahead of NHL Draft

While the 2025 NHL Draft is considered one of the weaker ones in recent memory, there's still plenty of talent to be had in the lottery, with the Pittsburgh Penguins holding a rather intriguing No. 11 overall pick.

At the NHL Draft Combine, it was reported that Kyle Dubas and the Penguins met with the likes of Roger McQueen, Brady Martin, Kashawn Aitcheson and Radim Mrtka, but now, their top target at that pick has been revealed.

According to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, it's Swedish forward Victor Eklund that may have caught their attention the most, as he reveals that they showed much more interest in Eklund.

The 18-year old may be a little undersized at 5-foot-11, but he's got a fantastic two-way game, posting a very solid 19 goals and 31 points in 41 games a season ago in Sweden, with ESPN ranking him as their eighth overall prospect in this draft, having this to say about his potential.

No prospect in the NHL Draft is a guarantee at the next level, but Eklund has a very high floor, with most expecting him at worst to be a solid middle-six scoring forward, which could be huge to learn under Sidney Crosby.

At this point, the 2025 NHL Draft is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, and while the Penguins have some major possibilities at No. 11 overall, Eklund would be a fantastic pick if he's still available at that spot.