--- title: "Penguins hold five picks in 2026 draft order: rebuild leverage incoming" description: "NHL’s 2026 draft order drops with Pittsburgh owning five selections, turning draft capital into a trade chip or roster fix." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nhl-announces-draft-order-penguins-currently-have-five-sele-89983dbc published: 2026-07-01T15:39:02.111+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T15:39:02.111+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Penguins hold five picks in 2026 draft order: rebuild leverage incoming > NHL’s 2026 draft order drops with Pittsburgh owning five selections, turning draft capital into a trade chip or roster fix. The NHL released the 2026 draft order Tuesday, and the Pittsburgh Penguins sit on five selections, giving them outsized leverage in a league where draft capital is currency. The Penguins’ haul includes picks across multiple rounds, with potential to address roster gaps or package assets for a veteran upgrade. League-wide, the order reflects compensatory picks and trade implications that ripple from top contenders to rebuilding clubs. Pittsburgh’s five selections—spread across early and mid-rounds—position the franchise to draft impact talent or swing deals at the trade deadline. The league’s compensatory system added late-round boosts, but Pittsburgh’s cluster stands out for sheer volume. No other team in the East currently holds as many picks, underscoring the Penguins’ strategic flexibility as they navigate a rebuild. The draft order drop comes amid league-wide chatter about teams stockpiling picks to accelerate timelines. Pittsburgh’s situation is unique: they’re not just accumulating assets for the sake of it, but leveraging them to plug roster holes or land a proven name. Analysts note that even a single top-60 pick can shift a contender’s fortunes, and Pittsburgh has multiple shots at that tier. The Penguins’ approach mirrors franchises like the Avalanche and Oilers, who used draft capital to acquire veterans like Artturi Lehkonen and Evander Kane during their rebuilds. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the order’s finality in a media briefing, calling it “a snapshot of where teams stand heading into the offseason.” He added that compensatory picks are now locked, removing ambiguity for GMs plotting moves. The Penguins’ front office has yet to comment publicly, but the message is clear: they’re playing the long game with short-term options in play. Their draft capital gives them a rare advantage—one that could force rivals to overpay if they want to pry loose a pick. The Penguins’ five picks also reflect a broader trend: teams are increasingly treating draft orders as multi-year assets rather than one-off opportunities. With the salary cap squeezing mid-tier teams, franchises like Pittsburgh are using draft capital to offset roster deficiencies without sacrificing core assets. The league’s compensatory system, which added late-round picks for teams like the Bruins and Lightning, further distorts the traditional draft hierarchy, making volume a premium. Draft capital isn’t just about quantity—it’s about timing. Pittsburgh’s early-round selections could land a franchise-altering prospect, while their mid-round picks provide depth options or trade bait. The Penguins’ ability to pivot between drafting and dealing gives them a rare adaptability in a league where most teams are locked into rigid strategies. This flexibility is especially valuable in a cap-strained environment, where one wrong move can derail a rebuild for years. The compensatory picks scattered across the league add another layer of complexity. Teams like the Bruins and Lightning gained late-round assets, but Pittsburgh’s volume in earlier rounds creates a different kind of leverage. The Penguins can afford to be patient with their picks, waiting for the right moment to either draft a star or package them for a veteran who fits their timeline. This approach contrasts with teams that rush to trade picks for short-term gains, often leaving them with little long-term upside. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly emphasized that the draft order is now final, but the real story is how teams will use it. For Pittsburgh, the five picks are a chess piece in a larger strategy—one that could redefine their rebuild. The Penguins’ front office has historically been aggressive with asset management, and their draft capital gives them the tools to execute a plan that balances youth and experience. What’s next: Expect the Penguins to explore trade scenarios that pair draft capital with roster upgrades before the season opener. The first domino could fall as early as the NHL Entry Draft in June 2026, when Pittsburgh’s picks become tradable commodities. The Penguins’ front office will likely prioritize flexibility, using their picks to either draft high-upside prospects or package them for a veteran who can stabilize a roster in transition. ## Why this matters Draft order isn’t just a list—it’s a franchise’s financial and competitive roadmap. For the Penguins, five picks in 2026 turn uncertainty into opportunity, allowing them to draft young talent or package assets for a veteran who can fast-track contention. In a league where contenders mortgage futures for a single playoff push, Pittsburgh’s volume gives them options most teams lack. The Penguins’ strategy underscores a shift: draft capital is no longer just about the future, but a tool to navigate the present, balancing rebuilds with immediate competitiveness. The Penguins’ ability to pivot between drafting and dealing highlights how modern NHL front offices are redefining asset value in a cap-strained era. ## Frequently asked ### How many picks do the Penguins have in the 2026 NHL Draft? The Penguins currently hold five selections in the 2026 NHL Draft, spread across multiple rounds. ### Why does draft capital matter in the NHL? Draft picks are trade currency and developmental leverage. Teams use them to acquire veterans or build through the minors, accelerating rebuilds or deep playoff runs. ### When is the 2026 NHL Draft? The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is scheduled for June 2026, with the exact dates to be announced by the league. ### Can the Penguins trade their 2026 picks before the draft? Yes. Draft picks become tradable assets immediately after the order is finalized, giving teams like Pittsburgh flexibility to move them for roster upgrades. ### What are compensatory picks in the NHL Draft? Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that lose free agents to rival clubs. They’re added to the draft order as late-round boosts, often in rounds 3–7. ### Which teams are most aggressive with draft capital in recent years? Franchises like the Avalanche, Oilers, and Hurricanes have used draft picks aggressively to acquire veterans during rebuilds, turning assets into playoff-caliber depth. ## Sources & Citations - [NHL announces draft order, Penguins currently have five selections - TribLIVE.com](https://triblive.com/sports/nhl-announces-draft-order-penguins-currently-have-five-selections/) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-18) --- Cite: Penguins hold five picks in 2026 draft order: rebuild leverage incoming. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nhl-announces-draft-order-penguins-currently-have-five-sele-89983dbc