SenShot 2014 NHL Mock Draft – Picks 21-25

#22 – Pittsburgh Penguins

Mar 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center

(87) celebrates with the Pens bench after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Penguins also had an early departure from the post-season, and the high expectations cost both GM Ray Shero and eventually coach Dan Bylsma their jobs.  With former Hurricanes’ GM Jim Rutherford now steering the ship, the Penguins need a new direction.

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will, until further notice, continue to be the blocks around which the team is built, but they need more production from the foot soldiers and more insulation around them.  They are stocked to the roof with defensive prospects and although they could go with goaltending at this point, the Penguins will add to the bounty and draft another forward.

The Penguins should select Czech forward David Pastrnak.  He brings the combination of forecheck ability with one of the best sets of hands in the draft.