Latest Pens’ NHL Draft Updates

Just spoke to a contact in Gonchar’s camp who said Penguins GM Ray Shero has not approached them yet about a deadline on when a decision needs to be made either way. The two sides are expected to meet again this afternoon in Los Angeles.

The Pittsburgh Penguins selected forward Bryan Rust (U.S. development program) in the third round (80th overall) of the NHL entry draft. Rust (5-10, 194) had 10 goals and 13 assists in 27 games played last season. Rust won a gold medal in the 2010 World Under 18 Championships

Round 2 of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft is under-way. The Penguins have picks in the third (80th overall), fourth (110th), fifth (140th), two sixth (152nd and 170th) and seventh round (200th).The Penguins traded their second-round pick to Florida for defenseman Jordan Leopold. The extra sixth-round selection came from Toronto in a deal that sent Chris Peluso to the Maple Leafs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers struck a deal at the end of round 1. Pittsburgh acquired the rights to defenseman Dan Hamhuis in exchange for a third round pick in 2011. Hamhuis has been a top target of the Penguins since the NHL trade deadline. Wade Arnott the agent for Hamhuis tells Inside Pittsburgh Sports that “no deal is in place.”

Just spoke to hockey agent Steve Reich whose firm represents Bennett. Bennett is going to the University of Denver next season. Reich tell’s me Bennett has “great vision and hands, “. Bennett is highly regarded by scouts as a gifted offensive player. Too early to speculate on his timeframe to the pros but it is widely believed that he will spend at least two seasons in the college ranks.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have selected winger Beau Bennett with the 20th overall pick. Bennett, (6-0, 195) scored 41 goals – 79 assists for 120 points with Penticton of the BCHL. Bennett is one of the California kids and was selected over Emerson Etem. Bennett is a gifted offensive player and was the No. 32 ranked player by Central Scouting. He is the highest drafted California native.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the clock. Indications are they will keep the pick.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been engaged with talks with the Pittsburgh Penguins about trading for the Penguins 1st round pick. Flyers I’m told are believed to be dangling prospect Kevin Marshall. Wade Arnott the agent for Dan Hamhuis declined comment on whether his client is heading to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh will not move a 1st rounder for Hamhuis.

The Penguins have been getting several calls for the 20th overall selection. The team is actively engaged in talks. Two notable teams they have talked with are the Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks. The Toronto Maple Leafs have also inquired.

Despite the two sides being far apart on a new deal, multiple team sources continue to reiterate that Sergei Gonchar’s rights are not being shopped. J.P. Barry the agent for Sergei Gonchar and Pens GM Ray Shero will resume talks this weekend. The Penguins are not ready to break off talks by any means–

Two surprises through 10 picks as defensemen Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley remain on the board. Both were widely regarded as top-5 selections. The New York Rangers passed on both defensemen, taking hard hitting defenseman Dylan Mcilrath with the No. 10 selection. The Dallas Stars with the No. 11 pick also passed on both D-men.

The Tampa Bay Lightning selected winger Brett Connolly with the 6th overall pick. The No. 3 rated player by Central Scouting, Connolly is one of the most gifted goal scorers in the draft but saw his stock drop a few spots due to concerns of a hip injury. Only appeared in 16 games last season with Prince George, WHL.

The New York Islanders selected Nino Niederreiter with the 5th overall pick. Niederreiter (6-2, 201 lbs) is a high scoring forward, gritty and also has great instincts in the defensive zone. Niederreiter had 36 goals – 24 assists for 60Pts last season with Portland, WHL.

The Columbus Blue Jackets selected center Ryan Johansen (Portland, WHL) with the No. 4 overall selection. Johansen (6-2, 192), is regarded as a top end playmaking center with good size, skill. Johansen had 24 goals and 44 assists for 69 points.

The Florida Panthers selected defenseman Erik Gudbranson (2g-21A-23pts) with the No. 3 overall selection. Gudbranson, (6-3, 195), a hard hitting defenseman was widely regarded as the top defenseman on the board. The Blue Jackets are now on the clock.

Picks 1-2 go as expected. The Boston Bruins selected center Tyler Sequin of Plymouth Whalers with the No. 1 overall selection. Hall (6-0, 185 lbs) had 40 goals – 66 assists for 106 pts last season.

The Edmonton Oilers selected winger Taylor Hall from the Windsor Spitfires with the No. 1 overall selection. Hall (6-0, 185 lbs) had 40 goals – 66 assists for 106 pts last season.

As we reported earlier this week, the Penguins have held “minor discussions” with the Chicago Blackhawks about winger Kris Versteeg. The two sides have continued to “touch base” today but the Penguins have no interest in moving their first rounder for Versteeg.

According to George Richards of the Miami Herald, the Florida Panthers have traded defenseman Keith Ballard to the Vancouver Canucks in-exchange for forward Steve Bernier and the 25th overall pick in the 2010 draft.

The 2010 NHL Entry Draft is set to begin shortly after 7:00 p.m. The Penguins own the No. 20 pick in the draft and as expected there is plenty of chatter going around as league officials are expecting a number of draft day deals to be made.