Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Mock Draft 2024: Projected picks and more

The Pittsburgh Penguins failed to make the playoffs this season despite adding Erik Karlsson last offseason. It was a disappointing year for the Penguins whose window appears to be closing if not closed with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Karlsson all being in their 30s.

Entering the offseason, Pittsburgh has six picks in the 2024 NHL draft but none in the first round. The first round of the draft is set for June 28, with rounds two through seven set for June 29.

Using NHLEntryDraft.com, a mock draft simulator, here is a Pittsburgh Penguins mock draft.

Pittsburgh Penguins 2024 NHL Mock Draft

Round 2, Pick 44: Charlie Elick, D

Defense is one of the biggest needs for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and with their first pick in the draft, they select Charlie Elick from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL.

Elick is a right-shot defenseman with good size who isn't afraid to use his body and can play a defensive role. Last year in the WHL, Elick recorded four goals and 23 assists for 27 points in 65 games.

Round 2, Pick 46: Cole Hutson, D

As mentioned above, defense is a need, so Pittsburgh uses both of their second-round picks on defensemen, as they select Cole Hutson, who is committed to Boston University.

Hutson is the brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane. Hutson is more of an offensive defenseman, so Pittsburgh can draft a defensive D-man and an offensive one with their first two picks.

Hutson played in the USHL last season, recording three goals and nine assists in 12 games and will play at BU next year.

Round 4, Pick 111: Clarke Caswell, LW

Pittsburgh uses the 111th selection on Swift Current Broncos left winger Clarke Caswell.

Caswell is projected to be a bottom-six forward in the NHL and is known as a playmaker, which is a need for Pittsburgh. In the WHL last year, Caswell had 26 goals and 51 assists for 77 points in 68 games.

Round 6, Pick 175: Miroslav Holinka, C

The Penguins go overseas to select Miroslav Holinka, a centerman from Czechia.

Holinka is a two-way forward who can be a bottom-six centerman and add some energy to the bottom of the lineup. He can be a shutdown forward in the NHL but will likely remain in Europe for a couple more years to develop.

Round 7, Pick 207: Caleb Heil, G

Most NHL teams tend to draft a goalie every year as they are hard to develop and turn into an NHLer.

Pittsburgh takes a shot in the seventh round with Caleb Heil from the USHL. Heil played for the Sioux Falls Stampede last season and did have some struggles as he went 6-10-1 with a 4.32 GAA and a .850 SV%.

Heil will play with the Madison Capitals of the USHL next season before going to the University of North Dakota.

Round 7, Pick Pick 223: Luke Ellinas, LW

The Penguins have the third-last pick in the 2024 NHL draft and they select Luke Ellinas, a left winger from the Kitchener Rangers.

Ellinas played one year in the OHL, and in his rookie season, he recorded 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points in 67 games. He still needs to improve his offensive game, but Pittsburgh can let Ellinas return to junior for a couple years and continue his development.