The Penguins had a first round that the organization hasn’t had since 1984. Three picks. Although Sportsvival realizes that the chances of the 2025 class matching the 1984 haul of Mario Lemieux, Doug Bodger and Roger Belanger is not gonna happen, it was nice to see the Penguins select three times in the first round.
Here is an in-depth look at who the Penguins selected in round one of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Benjamin Kindel-(C, Calgary Hitmen-WHL) 5’10” 176 lbs.
The Penguins selected Kindel 11th overall.
Kindel is a creative two-way center. Kindel is a highly competitive playmaker who fills the scoresheet and excels without the puck.
On offense, Kindel exploded for 35 goals and 99 points in 65 WHL outings, showcasing a knack for finding seams and finishing plays. Scouts rave about his speed, anticipation and relentless motor; he regularly turns defense into attack with quick reads and a knack for Grade-A chances (1.91 per neutral-zone entry) according to analytics guru Neutral Zone Scouting.
He is a classic boom-or-bust prospect: at 5’10”. 176 lbs he’s undersized and was turning the puck over nearly six times a game. Adding strength and tightening up his puck management will be essential if he’s to stick at center long-term. He is fast but lacks the initial explosiveness that can lead to breakaways and two-on-one situations.
Kindel projects as a competitive second line center who can quarterback a power play or kill penalties, giving the Pens a versatile, skilled piece to accelerate their rebuild.
Bill Zonnon- (F, Rouyn-Noranda- QMJHL) 6’2” 187 lbs
The Penguins selected Bill Zonnon 22nd overall
Bill Zonnon has split time between center and wing over his career. In 64 regular season games, Zonnon poured in 28 goals and 55 assists for 83 points.
He is a true “jack-of-all-trades”, he combines a power forward’s willingness to battle in the dirty areas with genuine playmaking vision and a heavy, quick release shot. He uses his 6’2” frame to win 50/50s along the boards and in front of the net, all white chipping in hits and displaying a consistently high complete level. He makes good decisions with the puck and is capable of creating time and space for teammates without the puck.
Although he flies around the ice with a relentless motor, his skating technique is lacking and will need to be improved to play in the NHL. At this point in his career he can get away with his effort level. Refining his edges and working on his explosiveness will make him a complete and scary player to play against.
Sportsvival sees Zonnon’s ceiling as a top six forward who should add depth to the Penguins power play. His motor and tenacity will make him a fan favorite.
Will Horcoff- (C, Michigan- NCAA) 6’5” 190 lbs.
The Penguins drafted Will Horcoff 24th overall.
Horcoff, 6’5” and 190 lbs will add size and a physical edge–traits the Penguins coveted late in round one.
Horcoff uses his frame and is not afraid to get to the dirty areas in front of the net to create chaos in high traffic areas in front of the net. He is sound positionally on his backcheck and has active stick work, and a willingness to create hits, making him a capable penalty killer. Horcoff has a heavy shot and a quick release, allowing him to score from everywhere on the ice. He consistently wins one-on-one board battles.
Horcoff is a late bloomer and many scouts wanted to see more consistency. He has good hands but has questionable decision making which has led to turnovers. Can be flustered when he is under duress. He needs to tighten up his skating mechanics and edgework.
Sportsvival sees Horcoff as a solid third line center who can kill penalties (think of Jordan Staal with less offensive flair). He will add size and nastiness to a lineup that needs these qualities.
(photo courtesy of NHL.com)