The Pittsburgh Penguins have chosen Peyton Kettles with the 39th pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The 17-year-old defenseman was the 11th player from the WHL to be picked and the second by the Penguins.
Penguins choose Peyton Kettles with the 39th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Penguins chose Peyton Kettles with the 39th overall selection on Saturday at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. During the 2024-25 season, Kettles played for the Swift Current Broncos in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He recorded five goals and nine assists for a total of 14 points over 53 games.
In his rookie season last year, Kettles notched 13 points and racked up 44 penalty minutes across 61 WHL games. He also had two points in eight WHL Playoff appearances.
According to HockeyFights.com, Kettles engaged in two fights during the 2024-25 WHL season and recorded four fights in his rookie season of 2023-24.
While Kettles may not have amassed a significant number of points while with Swift Current, he isn’t shy about delivering big hits.
Kettles in focus as NHL prepares for the draft
Dreams will be realized this weekend as the NHL prepares for its entry draft. The first round is slated for tonight, while rounds 2-7 are scheduled for tomorrow. Peyton Kettles, a defenceman for the Swift Current Broncos, has consistently been projected as a top-half draft pick. “It’s definitely a special moment,” commented Broncos GM Chad Leslie. “This has been on our radar for quite some time. There’s been a lot of anticipation leading up to this day. I’m thrilled for Peyton and his family to experience this occasion and to then move forward afterward.”
Peyton Kettles continues to be a focal point as the NHL draft approaches, highlighting his potential impact at the professional level.
Kettles is ranked as the 39th best North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. TSN’s Bob McKenzie places him 56th in his rankings, but some sources, such as Draft Prospects Hockey, have him as low as 123rd.
Kettles had to take on a substantial role for the Broncos last season, particularly with a young defensive lineup.
Leslie also mentioned that defenceman Josh McGregor and former Broncos forward Luke Mistelbacher are being considered as potential draft picks.
Additionally, Leslie provided an update on the search for a new head coach in Swift Current. It’s been an extensive process. We’ve reviewed numerous applicants and conducted interviews with a variety of promising candidates, each bringing a range of experience.
