The Penguins could end up with one or two first-round picks in June, based on the Rangers’ performance.
The Penguins were officially eliminated from playoff contention, which wasn’t a surprise considering they’ve been out of the race for most of the season. With just four games and 10 days left, attention now turns to the 2025 NHL Draft and the possibilities surrounding their first-round picks.
A notable shift in the standings has come from the Buffalo Sabres, who are on a four-game win streak. This has impacted the draft lottery odds, and the Penguins currently project to pick somewhere between 6th and 9th. That’s a strong position, as draft experts generally agree the top eight prospects are a cut above the rest. If the Pens stay in that range, they’re poised to land a high-impact player.
The other layer to watch involves the New York Rangers’ first-round pick, which has been passed to Pittsburgh through a series of trades, provided it falls outside the top 13. The Rangers are collapsing at the worst time and now sit six points behind Montreal for the final playoff spot. With just a few games left and the Canadiens riding a hot streak, New York’s postseason hopes are nearly dead. This opens the door for their draft pick to land in the 10–13 range.
However, there’s a catch — the Rangers have the option to keep the pick if it falls in that range, pushing their obligation to send a first-rounder to Pittsburgh to 2026 instead. GM Kyle Dubas confirmed that New York has until 48 hours before the draft to make that call. While they could transfer the pick voluntarily, history and logic suggest they’ll likely hold onto it, especially if it lands close to the top 10.
Still, there’s a slim chance the pick could move up in the draft lottery, which would lock it in for the Rangers to keep. But if the Rangers finish in the 14th or 15th slot, Pittsburgh would receive the pick automatically.
In any case, the Penguins are in a favorable spot. They’re guaranteed a top-10 selection and could potentially land a second pick in the top 15 — a strong foundation for rebuilding in the offseason.
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