The Pittsburgh Penguins did not have a first-round pick, but three players with regional junior hockey ties were taken in the first round of the 2015 NHL draft on Friday. The draft, hosted by the Florida Panthers, will continue with rounds two through seven on Saturday.
The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League had two players taken in the top three picks: center Connor McDavid was taken with the first overall pick by the Edmonton Oilers and fellow forward Dylan Strome went to the Arizona Coyotes with the third overall selection.
Strome led the OHL with 129 points in 68 games, while McDavid tallied 120 points in just 47 games for a ridiculous 2.55 points per game. He missed time while sidelined with a wrist injury.
The Winnipeg Jets landed Youngstown Phantoms forward Kyle Connor with the 17th overall selection. Connor led the United State Hockey League with 80 points in 56 games and is the highest-drafted player in franchise history.
McDavid will likely join the Oilers next season, while Strome could make the Coyotes or return to Erie. Connor is expected to attend the University of Michigan in the fall.
The first of the Penguins’ four selections will be the 46th overall pick in Saturday’s second round.
Photo credit: NHL (main), OHL Images (inset)
