Penguins draft Peyton Kettles at No. 39 in 2025 NHL Draft
The Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant move by selecting Peyton Kettles as the 39th overall pick during the recent draft at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Kettles showcased his skills in the 2024-25 season playing for the Swift Current Broncos in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he recorded five goals, nine assists, and 65 penalty minutes in 53 games. His performance ranked him third among Broncos defensemen. Additionally, Kettles contributed two assists in five WHL Playoff games before the team was eliminated in the initial round.
In his rookie year, Kettles displayed promise by earning 13 points and 44 penalty minutes across 61 WHL games and chipping in two points in eight WHL Playoff appearances.
Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Kettles is recognized as a shutdown defenseman with exceptional reach that enables him to intercept passes and disrupt the opposition’s offensive plays.
HockeyFights.com noted that Kettles engaged in two fights during the 2024-25 WHL season and four as a rookie in the 2023-24 season. Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Kettles represented Canada in multiple prestigious events, including the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he contributed one goal in five games and assisted in securing a gold medal. He also played for Canada Red in the Under-17 World Hockey Championships, registering one assist in seven games.
Ranked at No. 67 in Steven Ellis’ Final Top-120 Draft rankings, Kettles’ performance in Swift Current garnered praise despite his modest point production. Ellis noted the defenseman’s defensive prowess, physicality, mobility for his size, penalty-killing abilities, and potential offensive contributions. Additionally, Kettles’ reliability in playing extensive minutes on the ice adds to his appeal as a promising player in the NHL.
In conclusion, Peyton Kettles emerges as a promising asset for the Pittsburgh Penguins following his selection as the 39th overall pick. With his defensive capabilities, physical presence, and potential for offensive contributions, Kettles is poised to make a significant impact in the NHL.
