The 2026 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up to make their selections. While mock drafts and pre-draft rankings are inherently flawed, they provide a useful starting point for teams to assess potential targets. In this article, I'll delve into the 'Wisdom of the Crowd' list, which combines the averages of eight major outlets and scouting rags to offer a comprehensive view of potential draft picks. But first, let's explore some of the key players who could be out of reach for the Penguins.
Out of Reach?
One player who has seen his ranking shoot up is Wyatt Cullen, a rising star from the US National Development Team Program. Cullen, the son of former Penguin Matt Cullen, has caught the eye of scouts with his impressive performance. His ranking has climbed to an average of 18.9, and it's expected to rise further as more lists are updated following the NHL scouting combine. However, the Penguins may need to look elsewhere, as Cullen could be a top-15 pick.
Penguins Crowd Wisdom
Now, let's dive into the 'Wisdom of the Crowd' list, which ranks players based on their average from eight lists. We've included players ranked 18th through 25th, along with a few honorable mentions.
18. Xavier Villeneuve (LHD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL)
Villeneuve is a mobile, offensive defenseman who has put up impressive numbers in each of the last two seasons. However, his size (5-foot-11, 162 pounds) may be a concern for the Penguins. Despite this, his teammateship with 2025 first-round pick Bill Zonnon could have given Penguins scouts an in-depth look at his game.
19. Oliver Suvanto (C, Tappara Tampere, SM-Liiga)
Suvanto is a 6-foot-3, 207-pound center who played in Finland's pro league this season. Scouts loved his defensive acumen and project him into a middle-six, two-way center. However, his age (turning 18 in early September) may be a factor to consider.
20. Elton Hermansson (F, MoDo Hockey Ornskoldsvik, Swe-1)
Hermansson is a 6-foot-1, 181-pound winger with slick mitts and perhaps the best hands in the draft. The Penguins may have gotten an in-depth look at him during the Global Series Games in Stockholm last November. In 38 Swe-1 games, Hermansson had 21 points, including 11 goals.
21. Nikita Klepov (RW/LW, Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Klepov is a lefty playing the right side with a wicked one-timer. Scouts describe him as dynamic and electric, and he put up a monster season with Saginaw, notching 97 points with 37 goals in just 67 games. However, his age (turning 18 in July) may be a concern.
22. Alexander Command (C, Orebro, Sweden)
Command is a solid two-way center with real offensive upside. After 30 games with the Orebro junior team, Orebro recalled Command for six games with the Swedish High League team. He didn't have any points at the top level, but he had 44 points, including 17 goals, at the junior level. Command's compete level and hockey IQ are his standout features.
23. Liam Ruck (RW, Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
Ruck had a huge year in the WHL, scoring an impressive 45 goals in 68 games in his third junior season. He totaled 104 points for Medicine Hat and had eight goals in 14 playoff games. However, his size (6-foot-1, 177 pounds) may be a concern for the Penguins.
24. Oscar Hemming (LW, Boston College, NCAA)
Hemming is a big, skilled forward with a heavy shot from Finland. He battled international rules to play in North America and graduated early to join Boston College. Hemming would be a project pick in the mold of Will Horcoff, with size and a heavy shot. However, his early graduation may be a factor to consider.
25. Maddox Dagenais (C, Quebec Ramparts, QMJHL)
Dagenais is a big, left-handed center who took a big step forward in his second junior season. He produced a healthy 30 goals and 62 points in 60 games this season. His draft ratings are all over the map, with some projecting him in the first half of Round One, while others view him as a late first-rounder or second-rounder.
Honorable Mentions
Tommy Bleyl (D, QMJHL/NCAA)
Bleyl is an elite skating right-handed defenseman playing for Moncton of the Q this season and next before planning to go to Michigan State in 2027-28. He's 6-foot, 170 pounds and couldn't be stopped this season, with 81 points in 63 games. Bleyl made the US U18 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup team.
Yegor Shilov (C, Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)
Shilov is a playmaking center who can shoot, with 82 points and 32 goals in 63 games this season. Most independent rankings have him in the mid-20s. He's 6-foot-1, 176 pounds.
J.P. Hurlbert (F, Kamloops Blazers, WHL)
Hurlbert is an offensive force who finds open space through his skating and a natural feel for the O-Zone. He lit the lamp 42 times in 68 games and finished with 97 points. He was the WHL Rookie of the Year and wore a suit to the Combine every day, demanding respect from NHL teams.
As we approach the 2026 NHL Draft, the Penguins must carefully consider their options and make informed decisions based on the 'Wisdom of the Crowd' list and other scouting reports. While some players may be out of reach, others could be hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
