Sat Jun 28 02:30:00 UTC 2025: **Penguins Acquire Will Horcoff in Draft Day Trade with Kings**
**Pittsburgh, PA – June 27, 2025, 9:33 PM CDT -** In a surprising move at the 2025 NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired the 24th overall pick from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the 31st and 59th overall selections. With the acquired pick, the Penguins selected forward Will Horcoff from the University of Michigan.
Horcoff, the son of former NHL player Shawn Horcoff, split his 2024-25 season between the United States National Team Development Program and the University of Michigan Wolverines. He recorded eight goals and 14 points in 28 games with the USNTDP and followed that up with four goals and 10 points in 18 games for the Wolverines. He also represented Team USA at the U18 World Junior Championship, contributing two goals and four points in seven games.
While some analysts questioned the first-round selection, citing concerns about his offensive upside, Horcoff’s size (6’4″) and physicality are seen as immediate assets for the Penguins organization. He’s regarded as a strong defensive forward, making him a potential fit for Pittsburgh’s system.
Horcoff is expected to return to the University of Michigan for the upcoming season, meaning Penguins fans will have to wait to see him don the black and gold. The trade and subsequent pick have sparked debate among fans, with some questioning the value and strategy behind the move. General Manager Kyle Dubas’s draft strategy is under scrutiny, with some criticizing the selection as a reach. However, others urge patience, recognizing the unpredictable nature of the NHL Draft and the time needed to assess the true value of the pick.
First Piper 