Key Highlights from Day 2 of the 2025 NHL Draft: What Pittsburgh Penguins Fans Need to Know

Peyton Kettles’ Journey to the Penguins

Getting drafted by the Penguins is a dream come true for Peyton Kettles. As a kid, his favorite jersey was Evgeni Malkin’s. “It’s definitely a cool full-circle moment,” he says, reflecting on his journey.

Though he hasn’t met Malkin yet, Kettles shares a bond with Owen Pickering, a fellow Winnipeg native and 2022 first-round pick for the Penguins. They played together on the Swift Current Broncos. “I have a really good relationship with Owen,” Kettles noted. “We were defense partners for a long time, so I’m excited to reunite.”

Kettles stands tall at 6’6″ and weighs 195 pounds. His growth spurt was remarkable; he was just 5’5″ in eighth grade. Adapting to his new height has had its challenges. “It’s tough to grow into my body and gain weight,” Kettles admits. He models his play after Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins. “I’m still working on it,” he adds modestly.

What sets Kettles apart is his skating ability. “My skating helps me be physical,” he explains. “If I can’t skate well, I can’t keep up.” This skill is crucial, as it allows him to use his size effectively during games.

Scouting expert Clark praised him: “He’s extremely young for this draft class. At 6’6”, he has a right shot and an elite defensive stick. He’s super competitive and tough. He checks a lot of boxes as we look to improve our defense.”

Historically, tall players have had mixed success in the NHL. However, recent trends show that teams are increasingly valuing size paired with mobility. This is backed by a 2023 study indicating that players over 6’4″ are scoring more points than ever, thanks to better training methods and skill development.

Kettles’ story resonates, especially with fans keen on following emerging talents. Social media has exploded with excitement around his selection, with many predicting he’ll make a significant impact on the team. As the hockey world evolves, young players like Kettles highlight the importance of adaptability and skill in a competitive sport.

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