The Penguins had a decent day 2 drafting wise, and their best pick came all the way in the fourth round. More on that in a bit.
In the second round at 52nd overall, the Penguins took a bit of an unexpected choice at such a high position, selecting center Theodor “Teddy” Blueger. A Latvian native, the 17-year-old posted 88 points (24+64) in 51 games for Shattuck-St. Mary’s High School (Minnesota). He has elite NHL playmaking potential, but his development will be key to ensuring this. He is very well conditioned, but needs to add a decent amount of size and muscle.
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In the third round at 81st overall, the Penguins drafted Oskar Sundqvist. He’s a big (6’3) right-handed Swedish center who plays a solid two-way game and maintains some offensive upside. Expected to be imported into the CHL next week at some point, in hopes of him coming to the North American game. Having never watched this prospect play in person, we will have to see him at prospect and training camp so determine his potential.
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The Penguins had another third rounder, and took goaltender Matt Murray from Sault Ste. Marie with the 83rd overall selection. Murray has good size with some pro potential it seems, and he is a good puck handler to boot. He needs to put on some weight in order to fill the net out, and in order to compete against stronger competition in the future.
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Here is our personal favorite pick of the day. With the first pick in the 4th round (92nd overall), the Pens chose Italian Canadian forward Matia Marcantuoni from the Kitchener Rangers. Marcantuoni told me he compares himself to a grittier Carl Hagelin. He was slated to go in the top 10 overall this pre-season, but fell in the rankings after suffering a serious shoulder injury. What everyone didn’t know is that he actually came back stronger from his absence, and put on nearly 20 pounds of muscle. Add that to his skill set, great attitude, and the fact that he is the fastest skater in the entire OHL, and you have a future top-6 NHL forward on your hands, and a potential superstar. In our opinion, this will end up being the biggest steal of the 2012 Draft.
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With their second fourth round pick of the day (at 114th overall), the Penguins took another goaltender, Sean Maguire, who is committed to Boston University for next season. He is a ways away from even thinking about the pro game much like Murray, but he could have a bright future. He plays for Powell River in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League.
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In the fifth round (143rd overall), Pittsburgh took tough defenseman Clark Seymour from the Peterborough Pete’s. The physical Canadian-born 19-year-old will turn pro this next season, and will probably start in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers, where he can start to refine his game. His grit and fighting ability is naturally there, so he will be looking to get better with the puck, etc.
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With their final selection of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, with the 173rd pick (6th round) the Pens got another pretty good steal at such a low choice, selecting Russian winger Anton Zlobin. The 19-year-old has great size and hands to match. Has some NHL potential. He spent the last two years with the Shawinigan Cataractres (QMJHL), and broke out for 40 goals last campaign.
The newly acquired and drafted prospect profiles will be added nearing prospect camp, training camp, and as the off-season continues on.
