The Pittsburgh Penguins traded up from No. 31 to No. 24 to select rising Wolverines sophomore forward Will Horcoff on Friday. Michigan has had at least one player or incoming recruit selected in the first round in nine consecutive drafts.

The Penguins enter the 2025 draft looking for an infusion of young talent for first-year coach Dan Muse. The 42-year-old Muse comes from the New York Rangers, who hired former longtime Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan this offseason. Pittsburgh last made the playoffs in 2022 and has not won a playoff series since 2018.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have taken a second forward during the first round of the NHL Draft. According to Elite Prospects, the 18-year-old played 64 games and scored 28 goals with 55 assists in the 2024-25 season. He is the second forward taken by the Penguins of the night. Benjamin Kindel was their first pick of the night.