Penguins Mocked To Select 'Versatile' Russian Center In First Round
Pittsburgh has the 22nd overall pick.
Penguins Mocked To Select 'Versatile' Russian Center In First Round originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh . Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Pittsburgh Penguins have the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft after reaching the playoffs this past season.
Pittsburgh surprised many by making the playoffs, but the Penguins were eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. Although Pittsburgh made the playoffs, general manager Kyle Dubas believes the team still has a long way to go to be a Stanley Cup contender. With that, adding talent in the draft is key, and The Athletic’s Corey Pronman has the Penguins selecting Russian center Ilia Morozov out of Miami Ohio in the NCAA.
“The Penguins get a versatile two-way center with size in Morozov, who had a productive 17-year-old season in the NCHC while also displaying a detailed, physical game off the puck,” Pronman wrote in an article published on Tuesday. The 6-foot-3 Russian centerman played 36 games at Miami (OH) and recorded eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 36 games. Before that, he played in the USHL and had 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 59 games.
Morozov likely is a couple of years away from turning pro, but the versatile Russian would add some more depth to the middle of the ice, and can be a solid second or third-line center in the NHL if he continues to develop. The 2026 NHL Draft is set for June 26-27 in Buffalo. More NHL: Penguins GM Makes Bold Comment On Team's Outlook After Playoff Exit