Owen Pickering’s journey with the Pittsburgh Penguins has been a masterclass in frustration and potential. Four years after being selected 21st overall in the 2022 draft, the 22-year-old defenseman is still grappling with the same questions that haunted him back then: Can he crack the NHL? Is he the future of the Penguins’ blue line? Or is he another first-round pick who never quite lived up to the hype? The answer, as always, seems to hinge on a single word: timing. And timing, as we all know, is a cruel mistress.
What makes Pickering’s situation particularly fascinating is the paradox he’s caught in. He’s not bad—he’s got size (6’5”), a solid defensive foundation, and a calm presence on the ice. But he’s also not good enough to consistently earn a roster spot in a league where even second-tier defensemen are expected to contribute offensively. His 25-game NHL debut in 2024-25 was a glimpse of promise, with a goal and two assists, but it was clear he was still learning the nuances of the NHL game. Now, after a full season in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, he’s back to square one, hoping to turn a brief taste of the big leagues into a permanent seat on the bench.
Personally, I think the Penguins’ approach to Pickering has been both fair and frustrating. They gave him a chance, sent him back down when he wasn’t ready, and now they’re watching him struggle to prove he belongs. But here’s the thing: development isn’t linear. Players like Seth Jones and Shea Weber were once raw prospects who took years to find their footing. Pickering’s problem isn’t that he’s not trying—it’s that the NHL is a brutal, unforgiving place for anyone who doesn’t dominate from day one. And let’s be honest, the Penguins’ blue line is already stacked with veterans who have no intention of moving aside.
The real wildcard here is the Penguins’ current lack of left-handed defensemen. It’s a curious oversight, given how critical positional flexibility is in modern hockey. Lefties can play both sides of the ice, which is a huge advantage in today’s fast-paced game. Pickering, a left-handed defenseman, could theoretically fill that gap—but only if he can prove he’s more than just a placeholder. What many people don’t realize is that the Penguins aren’t just looking for a body; they’re looking for someone who can contribute in all three zones. And right now, Pickering’s offensive game is about as flashy as a dull knife.
If you take a step back and think about it, this entire situation raises a deeper question: What does it say about the NHL’s development system when a first-round pick needs four years to even get a full-time role? The answer is simple: It’s broken. Teams are expected to develop players quickly, but the reality is that most prospects take longer than expected to adapt. Pickering’s case isn’t unique—he’s just the latest in a long line of players who’ve been given the chance, failed to capitalize, and now face the pressure of proving themselves again. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the Penguins’ front office, led by Jeff Dubas, has been remarkably patient with him. Dubas called Pickering ‘found his role’ after the AHL season, but that role isn’t in the NHL yet. It’s a delicate balance between hope and realism.
What this really suggests is that the Penguins are in a bit of a dilemma. They need a left-handed defenseman, but they also need someone who can contribute beyond just being a defensive stopper. Pickering’s size and skating ability are assets, but without a reliable offensive game, he’ll always be the third option. This isn’t just about Pickering—it’s about the broader trend of teams struggling to find the right mix of skill and experience on the blue line. In an era where defensemen are expected to be playmakers, Pickering’s limitations could be a dealbreaker.
As training camp approaches, the pressure is on Pickering to make the most of his final chance. His entry-level contract is up, and there’s no guarantee of a second deal if he doesn’t lock down a spot. From my perspective, this is his moment. If he can show even a hint of the potential that made the Penguins draft him in the first place, he might just have a shot. But if he continues to coast through the AHL without taking the next step, he’ll be remembered as another first-round pick who missed his window. One thing is certain: The NHL isn’t kind to players who wait for opportunities to come to them. They have to seize them—or risk being left behind.
