Why the Penguins should trade the 12th overall pick

It is no secret, the Penguins are going through a rough patch. They have missed the playoffs the last three years, and unless they shock everyone in free agency and make some huge splashes, they are destined to miss for the fourth consecutive season. Howver, now that they have the 11th and 12th overall selection in Friday's draft, the Penguins can drastically improve their future prospects.

What should they do with the pick

Honestly, there is no wrong answer with the two potential courses of action at 12 overall. The Penguins can keep the pick and select a good prospect who will help them in a couple of years, or they can flip their pick for either multiple selections later or a player. This is the option I would select if I were Kyle Dubas.

Why flip the pick

I would flip the pick because the trade is a coin flip. The players being selected are 18 years old, and it is impossible to predict how they will develop both as players and individuals. This is why scouts make a lot of money, yet the draft in many ways, a dart-throwing exhibition. This is why I would flip the 12th overall pick for a young player who has proven themselves and can contribute to the Penguins long-term.

Marco Rossi

Marco Rossi is the player I would immediately trade the 12th overall pick for. Rossi netted 60 points last year, up from 40 the previous year, and showed tremendous playmaking ability. However, the Wild demoted him to the fourth line in the playoffs and reports are circulating that he is unhappy.

They are also actively shopping him! Rossi would likely slot in as the third-line center, but with this being Evgeni Malkin's last year, he will become the 2C behind Sid. Now the Penguins would have to offer him an extension, but at 23 years old, Rossi is a great young player who can contribute to the Penguins' future success for at least five years or more.