The NHL draft is designed to let franchises replenish their talent pool and, if necessary, to rebuild.
Early-round draft choices can be especially valuable and, used effectively, those in Round 1 can help a team lay the foundation of a Stanley Cup contender.
Nonetheless, the Penguins have proven that it’s possible to earn championships without consistently getting much out of the first round. Directly, at least.
They’ve won the past two Cups despite having just one of their opening-round selections, defenseman Olli Maatta, from the past 12 drafts in the lineup. [Derrick Pouliot dressed for two playoff games in 2016.