Forward is Pens' top pick
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins chose right wing Beau Bennett with the 20th overall pick in the NHL draft Friday night in Los Angeles.
The Penguins were believed to be interested in moving up in the first round, but they did not make a trade.
The 18-year-old Bennett, a native of Torrance, Calif., had 41 goals and 79 assists for 120 points in 56 games with Penticton of the junior British Columbia Hockey League last season.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Bennett was ranked 32nd among North American skaters in the final Central Scouting rankings.
Unless they make a trade, the Penguins don't have a second-round pick. Rounds 2 through 7 will be held Saturday in Los Angeles.
The Penguins also acquired the rights to defenseman Dan Hamhuis from the Philadelphia Flyers for a third-round pick Saturday in the NHL draft.
The Penguins swung the deal Friday night for Hamhuis, the longtime Nashville defenseman. He will be a free agent next week.
The Flyers acquired Hamhuis from the Predators last weekend, but apparently couldn't reach an agreement on a long-term contract.
The physical six-year NHL veteran would be among the league's top available defensemen next week.
The signing could soften the Penguins' blow if they lose star defenseman Sergei Gonchar, who also can be an unrestricted free agent in July.
