The 2018 NHL Draft begins tonight in Dallas. The Penguins do not own a first-round pick after trading what would have been the 22nd overall choice in-season to Ottawa for center Derick Brassard. Rounds two-through-seven will happen tomorrow. The Pens’ first choice, barring an unlikely trade, will be the 53rd overall selection. They will also have the 64th overall choice.
The Penguins’ schedule for next season is available (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/schedule). Pittsburgh opens the regular season on October 4th at home versus Washington. The Pens will be at home for their first three games, with Montreal and Vegas also coming to town.
Two weeks after leading the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history, Barry Trotz is now the head coach of the Islanders. Trotz agreed to a reported five-year deal worth $4 million annually, more than double what he would have earned on a two-year extension with Washington. The 55-year-old Trotz ranks fifth in NHL history with 762 wins.
