21. Pittsburgh Penguins – Cam York (D, USNTDP, USHL)
The Pittsburgh Penguins have apparently forgotten what a first round pick is, having not owned one since 2014 when they selected Kasperi Kapanen (who isn’t even with the organization anymore).
The Pens have made a couple of solid later-round picks since then such as Filip Hallander, Calen Addison, and Zachary Lauzon, but despite all of this it would certainly be nice for them to squeeze back into the first round and add a true top prospect to their organization.
Assuming they keep the 21st overall pick, I have them taking a skilled defenseman in Cam York.
York spent this season with the USNTDP and absolutely killed it, putting up 65 points in 63 games for the U18 squad and also putting up 11 points in seven games for the States at the U18 World Juniors. He’s known as a steady offensive defenseman who isn’t a slouch on the back end either, with great hockey sense and a tendency to read the game well.
He’s committed to the University of Michigan for next season and will likely spend a couple of seasons there, but all in all, could become a very solid pick for the Penguins at 21st.