In what was a busy weekend in Ottawa, The Pittsburgh Penguins added nine fresh faces to fold while also giving two prospects a second chance to prove themselves. It is no secret that the Penguins are in the midst of a retool and that this weekend needed to be a success. While it is too early to tell how the team fared, Pens officials are happy with how things played out. 

There was early activity on the draft floor as GM Brent Anthony was in deep conversation with Peter Rondelli of the Minnesota Wild. The two paesanos were unable to strike a deal that would have resulted in the two squads swapping picks 6 and 7. With intended target, Trevor Zegras, off the board when pick seven rolled around, the Penguins moved their first round selection to Jean Dinelle and the Detroit Redwings in exchange for picks 10, 31 and 121. 

Here is a look at the Penguins new future hopefuls

10. Alex Newhook (16th to Colorado) - A raw centremen who possesses top six potential. Does everything right from scoring, skating, passing, stickhandling, and defensive play. Newhook was a standout for Canada at the u18's, proving that he can hack it amongst tougher competition. He will continue to hone his craft with Boston College and is a couple years removed from an impact player at the next level.

31. Brayden Tracey (29th to Anaheim) - This Moose Jaw Warrior tickled the twine 36 times and put up 81 points in 66 games this year. The winger is a duel threat offensively and can beat his opponents in many ways be it skill or a cycle game. Tracey was a standout player for Team Canada at the u18 World Championship. While he needs a little more seasoning, Tracey possesses top six potential. 

36. John Beecher (30th to Boston) - A massive speciman who plays a power forward game. Beecher's speed is one of his biggest assets and his offensive game began to flourish down the stretch this season. He will continue to develop his game playing for the University of Michigan where he should expect more responsibility at both ends of the ice. Likely a middle six player but could be more if the offense continues to flourish. 

46. Vladislav Kolyachonok (52nd to Florida) - Another player who stood out at the u18's. This young Belarussian defender has a high motor, tremendous stamina and plays a consistent two-way game. Kolyachonok is a student of the game who spends countless hours refining his play either on the ice, in the gym or studying game tape. He plays a moderized game and possesses the qualities needed to be a steady second pairing option. 

50. Ilya Nikolayev (88th to Calgary) - The Russian factor comes to mind when assessing Nikolayev's value and overall potential. However, there is no doubting his skating and offensive game. His handles are incredible and he shows a willingness to help out defensively, throwing the body around if needed. Consistency and decision making are facets of his game that need improvement. Nikolayev has middle six potential with room to grow. 

91. Albert Johansson (60th to Detroit) - When the Wing draft a Swedish defender you cannot help but get excited. Johansson is arguably one of the most improved players this year. He possesses great wheels, a high hockey IQ and tremendous poise for a young rearguard. He is a long term prospect due to his size but his speed and skills are well suited for today's game. He has second pairing potential if he can develop physically. 

112. Domenick Fensore (90th to Carolina) - Like Johansson, Fensore will need to get stronger is he hopes to play at the next level. The NTDP product oozes offensive talent and has wheels for days. He possesses a go-go-go mentality and often opts for the high risk fancy play instead of the safe one. He is a boom/bust type and will need seasoning before his ready for the next level. He projects as a third pairing, powerplay option. 

121. Blake Murray (183rd to Carolina) - A two-way centremen who is willing to take the puck to the net to generate offense. He possesses a pro-frame  and needs to learn how to use his body to his advantage. Murray is strong on the faceoff dot and is slotted to play alongside Quinton Byfield next year. His 30 goals for the Sudbury Wolves are nothing to sneeze at. He projects as a bottom six center but could be more if he learns to assert himself. 

136. Taylor Gauthier (Undrafted) - He faced a ridiculous amount of rubber this past season while backstopping the Prince George Cougars. Despite being the 7th highest ranked NA goaltender by Central Scouting, the young netminder went undrafted. His strengths are his athleticism, mobility and compete level. Gauthier needs to improve his consistency, positioning and puckhandling if he hopes to hear his name called in 2020. 

The Penguins also redrafted Kyle Olson and Zach Gallant with the hope that these two will one day develop into serviceable players.