THE FUTURE ISN'T NOW

The Penguins are setting the table for the future. Here's an excerpt from my latest TubLIve.com column:

They have a potential star defenseman in Harrison Brunicke. He’s 19.

They have a potential star goalie in 21-year-old Sergei Murashov. (He’s with the Penguins’ affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, out of harm’s way for now.)

They have a potential Jake Guentzel in winger Ville Koivunen. He’s 22.

Forward Ben Kindel, the 11th choice in this year’s NHL Draft, impressed so much in training camp that he’s starting the season in Pittsburgh. He’s 18.

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That's the future.

But the future isn't now.

The top priority this season is to get a top-five pick in next year's NHL draft and get as many balls as possible in that lottery to get Penn State uber-kid Gavin McKenna, a dynamite forward and the presumptive No. 1 choice. (The Penguins have a good history with draft lotteries and can't-miss superstars.)

Trade Rickard Rakell. Trade Bryan Rust. Do what's needed.

The Penguins have up-and-coming anchors in goal and on defense. They lack a star-caliber forward prospect. There are at least five of those in the next draft. (Koivunen and Kindel are very good, but not at that level.)

The Penguins are rebuilding.

They're not yet rebuilt.