As the Penguins’ fortunes spiral down, down, down to where Gollum and the San Jose Sharks reside, I’ve put forth the notion that if we’re going to be bad, we might as well be really bad. The better to snare a lottery pick or, dare we dream, a No. 1 overall pick.
Based on early reports, a pair of standouts will be available in the upcoming Entry Draft, Brampton power forward Porter Matrone and Boston College playmaker James Hagens. The real prize, Medicine Hat phenom Gavin McKenna, becomes draft eligible in 2026.