Here’s Roundup Of Penguins’ 2025 NHL Draft First Round

The Pittsburgh Penguins had an eventful first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, drafting three players and being involved in two trades on Friday night.

The Penguins started their day with the No. 11 pick, drafting Western Hockey League forward Benjamin Kindel. Kindel was second in scoring with the Calgary Hitmen during the 2024-25 season with 99 points on 35 goals and 64 assists. On top of his team-leading 64 assists, Kindel scored eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in 11 playoff games.

The 5-foot-11, 181-pound forward is a playmaker with strong vision to go along with his skating ability.

Pittsburgh was originally supposed to have back-to-back picks, acquiring the No. 12 pick in its trade with the Vancouver Canucks. As the Penguins were announced on the clock, the trade button was hit by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, signaling a trade between the Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. With the trade, Pittsburgh moved down, acquiring No. 22 and No. 31.

With the No. 22 pick, forward Bill Zonnon from the Seattle Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL was selected.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Montreal native was an underage player in the QMJHL but made a name for himself. He had 28 goals and 55 assists, totaling 83 points. His size is what jumps out about him, using his frame to his advantage wherever he is on the ice.

Zonnon is predicted to play one more year with the Huskies to develop more before playing professional hockey.

It seemed like the Penguins had to wait nine more picks before their next player was announced, but a trade with the Los Angeles Kings put them at No. 24.

Pittsburgh announced University of Michigan forward Will Horcoff as its final pick of the first round to end an eventful day.

Horcoff’s freshman season with Michigan didn’t jump off the page, with 10 points on four goals and six assists. His defense is where he thrives, checking players into the boards on the backcheck and forecheck.

With the picks, the Penguins focused on addressing their offensive needs, drafting three forwards in the first round. While the three players won’t be seen in the NHL lineup right away, they could be a big help to Pittsburgh in a few years.

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