Penguins add forward talent
The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a selection in the third round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, choosing left winger Pierce Mbuyi from the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. Mbuyi was the 86th overall pick in the draft. The Penguins have a history of identifying valuable players in the middle rounds of the NHL Draft, with past selections including Bryan Rust, Jake Guentzel, Harrison Brunicke, and Sergei Murashov.
Mbuyi, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 163 pounds, recorded 32 goals and 75 points in 68 games during the last season. He has confirmed his intention to return to the Sound for an additional season before joining Penn State for the 2027-28 season.
Player profile and future plans
Despite being somewhat undersized, Mbuyi is recognized for his scoring ability and offensive drive. His speed is a key characteristic of his play, and he is effective around the net-front. Mbuyi also excels in generating offense from rushes, creating opportunities, and forcing turnovers in the neutral zone. His strong forecheck and skating ability are also notable aspects of his game.
Mbuyi served as an alternate captain for the Sound last season and was named the team’s captain in the spring. The Penguins also made another selection in the draft, trading up to the 111th overall pick to acquire defenseman Parker Von Ricther.
The San Jose Sharks were noted as significant winners in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, securing Ivar Stenberg at No. 2, Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9, and Ryan Lin at No. 21. Stenberg is considered an accomplished teenage forward from Sweden who could make an immediate impact as a rookie. Verhoeff, a right-shot defenseman, has a strong overall toolset and pedigree from the NCAA, WHL, and international play with Hockey Canada. Lin is described as one of the smartest, most polished, and competitive defensemen in his class.
The Seattle Kraken used their No. 7 pick on defenseman Chase Reid, marking their first defenseman selection in the first round after five previous first-round picks were forwards. Reid is an offensive defenseman known for joining the rush and activating from the blue line, possessing the skating and skill to make plays based on his offensive instincts. The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna at No. 1, a player expected to bring renewed energy to the team and slot into the top six and power-play unit. McKenna is considered one of the most talented and dynamic players to enter the draft in recent years.
The Winnipeg Jets drafted Viggo Björck at No. 8, a center known for his intelligence, strength, competitiveness, and skill, despite his height. The Nashville Predators made two first-round selections, picking Wyatt Cullen at No. 10 and Tommy Bleyl at No. 31. Cullen, a dynamic one-on-one player, rose in the draft despite missing part of the season due to hip issues. Bleyl, a defenseman, is recognized for his skating and understanding of the game. The Utah Mammoth selected Ethan Belchetz at No. 17, betting on his combination of size and skill. The Calgary Flames picked Carson Carels at No. 6 and Jack Hextall at No. 30.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
