Kyle Dubas' Draft Strategy: A Look at the Past and Future
Kyle Dubas, the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, has a well-documented history of drafting players with a specific set of criteria. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into his draft strategy, analyzing his past picks and their implications for the future.
Early Draft Focus on Forwards
One of the most notable aspects of Dubas' drafting is his preference for forwards in the early rounds. Out of his 10 first/second-round picks, seven have been forwards, with a particular emphasis on wingers. This strategy has been consistent, with two out of three first-round picks in the 2025 draft being forwards.
In the 2025 draft, the Penguins selected three forwards in the first three rounds: Ben Kindel, Bill Zonnon, and Will Horcoff. All three have positional flexibility, with Kindel and Zonnon capable of playing center, and Horcoff shifting to a winger. This approach aligns with Dubas' tendency to prioritize forwards with his highest picks.
Regional and League Preferences
Dubas has shown a clear preference for players from specific regions and leagues. Four out of six top-50 picks in the 2025 draft came from the Western Hockey League (WHL), with one each from Russia and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Interestingly, no top-50 picks were sourced from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), US Colleges/USHL, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, or Slovakia.
This regional bias has been consistent, with the Penguins drafting two WHL players (Kindel and Peyton Kettles) out of four top-50 picks in 2025. The shift towards the NCAA route, as noted in the article, is likely to continue, but the focus on Western Canada remains a key aspect of Dubas' strategy.
European and Non-North American Talent
Dubas has shown a preference for European and non-North American talent, with 14 out of 43 skaters drafted playing in Europe. However, this trend seems to be reversing, with no European-trained players drafted in the 2025 draft. The article suggests that this change might be due to circumstances rather than a conscious decision.
Late-Round Drafting and US Players
In the late rounds, Dubas has a tendency to draft US-born or trained players from the NCAA and USHL. Out of 27 skaters drafted in rounds 4-7, 10 have been from these sources, compared to four each from OHL, Russia, and Finland. This strategy is likely influenced by the recent shift in rules allowing players to go the NCAA route.
Goalie and Defenseman Drafting
Dubas has a history of drafting few goalies, with only four goalies drafted in seven drafts as Pittsburgh's GM. The 2025 draft saw the selection of Gabriel D'Aigle, the first goalie drafted so high by Dubas. However, this was a one-off, and the Penguins only selected one goalie with their 13 picks.
In terms of defensemen, Dubas has a preference for right-handed defensemen, with 11 out of 47 total draft picks (23%) being RHD. This trend continued in the 2025 draft, with three RHD selected, compared to only one LHD.
Trading and Pick Accumulation
Trading down to accumulate more picks has been a common strategy for Dubas. He has traded down in the first round in 2018, 2020, and 2022, and last year in 2025. This approach is amplified by the fact that Toronto didn't make a first-round pick in 2019 or 2021, providing rare examples of Dubas not trading down.
In the 2025 draft, Dubas made three trades involving only picks, moving down twice and back up once. This strategy is likely to continue, especially with the Penguins having only one pick in rounds 4-7 this year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kyle Dubas' draft strategy is a fascinating blend of regional and positional preferences, influenced by the flow of talent and the rules of the game. His past picks provide a clear indication of his future approach, with a continued focus on Canadian juniors, right-handed defensemen, and a cautious approach to drafting goalies. As the draft landscape evolves, Dubas' strategy will be crucial in shaping the Penguins' future success.
