The Pittsburgh Penguins made significant moves during the 2025 NHL Draft by selecting forwards Ben Kindel, Bill Zonnon, and Will Horcoff in the first round. The team chose Kindel with the 11th overall pick, Zonnon at 22nd, and Horcoff at 24th.
In a strategic move, the Penguins traded their 12th overall pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for the 22nd and 31st picks. Subsequently, they exchanged the 31st and 59th picks with the Los Angeles Kings to secure the 24th pick.
Ben Kindel, an 18-year-old forward from Coquitlam, British Columbia, completed his second season with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He recorded career highs with 35 goals, 64 assists, and a total of 99 points over 65 games. His performance ranked him seventh in points across the WHL. Kindel also represented Team Canada at international tournaments, securing gold medals at both the World Under-18 Championship and Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Bill Zonnon, also aged 18 and hailing from Montreal, Quebec, finished his third season with Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). As an alternate captain for his team, he achieved personal bests in goals (28), assists (55), and points (83). Following his recent season, he was traded to Blainville-Boisbriand.
Will Horcoff spent part of his last season with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program before joining the University of Michigan’s NCAA team. The Birmingham native contributed significantly to both teams during his tenure. He represented Team USA at this year’s World Under-18 Championship where he helped secure a bronze medal.
The selections reflect Pittsburgh’s efforts to strengthen its forward lineup as they look towards future seasons.
