Penguins select Owen Pickering in first round of 2022 NHL Draft

MONTREAL — With the 21st overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Penguins went with defense, selecting Owen Pickering.

On the Draft Broadcast, Penguins General Manager Ron Hextall said Pickering is a long-term project for the Penguins. Newly re-signed defenseman Kris Letang announced the pick.

Some more details about Pickering:

* Led all defensemen on the Swift Current Broncos and ranked sixth among WHL rookie blueliners with 9-24—33 in 62 GP during the 2021-22 season.

* Represented Team Canada at the 2022 Under-18 World Championship where he was named a Top 3 Player on his team after posting 0-2—2 in 4 GP.

* Earned honors with distinction in each year of high school.

* His cousin, Denton Mateychuk, is a defenseman for the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors who was selected earlier tonight in the No. 12 slot by the Blue Jackets.

* Played provincial baseball as a pitcher and second baseman alongside fellow first-round NHL Draft picks Conor Geekie and Denton Mateychuk.

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