Penguins trade Bennett, draft six

The Pittsburgh Penguins were inactive yesterday in day one of the  NHL draft but had a handful of picks to use today, in Day 2. They managed to pick up a third round pick mid-way through the second round when they traded Beau Bennett to the New Jersey Devils for the 77th pick. Bennett will be joining up with Ray Shero who drafted him way back in 2010.

The Penguins looked and picked mostly defence during the draft but they started it with a goaltender from Sweden by the name of Filip Gustavsson. Gustavsson was named the top goaltender in the U-18 Championship for Sweden, where he won silver. He currently plays for Lulea Jr. in Sweden's Jr league but Pittsburgh said they had him down as the best goaltender in the draft. His skills at rebound control are similar to Murray.

Pittsburgh took a Finnish forward with their second pick, their second in the round and the 77th overall. Kasper Bjorkvist currently plays for the Espoo Blues Jr team in Finland's Jr league and scored 66 points in 45 games for them last season whilst also representing Finland internationally. He is heading to America to attend Providence College so we will be able to see more of him this season. Pittsburgh's scouting team suggested he is only two years from being able to turn pro.

Pittsburgh then went with defence, starting with the 77th overall pick they got in the trade for Beau Bennett. After heading to Scandinavia for their first two picks the Penguins returned to the hotbed of Canada and the OHL. Here, they picked Connor Hall from the Kitchener Rangers. Hall played 39 games last year and put up 2 goals and 7 assist. He also appeared in Canada's U-18 team so had promise.

Pittsburgh then turned to Crown Point native Ryan Jones from the USHL for their next pick. A defenceman as well, he played 60 games for the Lincoln Stars last year and put up 30 points in that span, that put him up as the highest scoring defenceman in the team and fifth overall. He has committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha next season.

Niclas Almari was the next player to be picked as the Penguins hopped back over to Finland for their second Finn. Almari played in the same league as Bjorkvist but for Jokerit's Jr team. He also played internationally at the U-18 tournament and mentioned that he is a friend of Bjorkvists.

Last but not least, the Penguins turned to their 6th round pick and selected Joseph Masonius. He attended the Penguins development camp in July last year. He is currently attending college at the University of Connecticut where he scored 21 points in 34 games.

It is going to be interesting to watch this group develop as there is a wide range of players there from different backgrounds. With three players in the NCAA they should be easier to watch and keep an eye on.