The Latest Draft Buzz
Seven hours until the NHL draft begins and while Pittsburgh plans on staying put at #30, they have had discussions with the Vancouver Canucks (22) and the New York Islanders (26) about moving up a few spots.
Vancouver is extremely interested in moving back and accumulating more picks.
If Pittsburgh pursues this potential trade, it will be to land one of their top forward targets in Kyle Palmieri, U.S. Under-18 (USDP), Jordan Caron, Rimouski (QMJHL) Landon Ferraro, Red Deer (WHL) or Zach Budish, Edina High (USHS-Minn.)
If Pittsburgh stays at #30 which appears very likely at this point, team officials will be thrilled if defenseman Simon Despres, Saint John (QMJHL) is available at #30.
Pittsburgh has Despres rated as a top 15 prospect on their draft board but Despres stock has dropped over the past two months and there is a sense that he will be available.
The Penguins belief is that you can never have too many puck moving defenseman in your system and Despres is a strong possibility at #30.
Pittsburgh also met with Jeremy Morin, Auburn, U.S. U-18 (USDP) early this week. He is under strong consideration at #30.
