As with any sport, player development in hockey isn’t an exact science. Far from it. Indeed, Penguins history is littered with first-round picks who didn’t pan out. For every Sidney Crosby, there’s an Angelo Esposito. For every Evgeni Malkin, a Konstantin Koltsov. For every Marc-Andre Fleury? A Craig Hillier.
Ever heard of Gordie Laxton, Stefan Bergkvist or Chris Wells?
First-rounders all.
On the flip side, the Pens have gleaned more than their share of talent in the later rounds.