At the end of the day, the Pittsburgh Penguins did end up making a draft day trade. 

However, it wasn't necessarily the type that was expected.

After selecting center Benjamin Kindel 11th overall, the Penguins traded the New York Rangers' 12th overall pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for the 22nd and 31st overall picks in the draft.

The move will give the Penguins three first-round picks, which is the most first-round picks they've had since 1984, when Pittsburgh drafted Mario Lemieux (first overall), Doug Bodger (ninth overall), and Roger Belanger (16th overall). 

Other presumed draft targets for the Penguins - such as forward Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson, who were drafted back-to-back by the New York Islanders at 15th and 16th overall - are already off the board. 

Reaction: Penguins Select Center Ben Kindel 11th Overall In 2025 NHL DraftThe 2025 NHL Draft is finally upon us.

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Feature image credit: The Pittsburgh Penguins