Penguins Update: Drafting Franchise Players a Luck of the Draw

As the Penguins’ fortunes spiral down, down, down to where Gollum and the San Jose Sharks reside, I’ve put forth the notion that if we’re going to be bad, we might as well be really bad. The better to snare a lottery pick or, dare we dream, a No. 1 overall pick.

Based on early reports, a pair of standouts will be available in the upcoming Entry Draft, Brampton power forward Porter Matrone and Boston College playmaker James Hagens. The real prize, Medicine Hat phenom Gavin McKenna, becomes draft eligible in 2026. This kid is Lemieux-esque in my book.

Yet when Other Rick and I discussed the matter at Wright’s Gym the other day, he was quick to note that drafting No. 1 overall doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a franchise player.

“Look at Connor Bedard,” he said. “He’s supposed to be the Next One, but he’s only scored three goals this season.”

Talking about bursting my bubble. But my esteemed colleague is right.

Bedard is not having the type of season you’d expect from a franchise player.

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