Penguins Mocked To Select 81-Point Defenseman

Penguins Mocked To Select 81-Point Defenseman originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NHL Draft will begin on Friday, June 26, in Buffalo, New York, with Rounds 2-7 set for June 27.
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Pittsburgh enters the NHL Draft with five total picks, but four of them are in the first 86 picks, while the Penguins have the 22nd overall pick in the first round. Ahead of the NHL Draft kicking off, NHL Draft analyst Corey Pronman of The Athletic has Pittsburgh selecting defenseman Tommy Bleyl from Moncton in the QMJHL.
“Pittsburgh wants to add high-end skill, and the Penguins do so with Bleyl, who’s coming off a huge year. Nikita Klepov, Hurlbert and Ryan Lin are also strong possibilities here for the same reason,” Pronman wrote in an article published on Friday.
Bleyl is an offensive defenseman, as the New York native is coming off a stellar rookie season in the QMJHL. The 6-foot, 165lbs defenseman recorded 13 goals and 68 assists for 81 points in 63 games. He added six goals and 22 assists for 28 points in 21 playoff games.
Bleyl is set to return to Moncton next season, before committing to Michigan State for the 2026-27 season. So, he likely wouldn’t play for the Penguins for at least two years. When he does reach the NHL, he can be a future offensive defenseman and run the power play.
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