The 2012 NHL Draft will take place in less than three weeks at Consol Energy Center, and despite recent playoff flameouts, the Pittsburgh Penguins organization says its draft philosophy will not change entering the 2012 Draft. Via Josh Yohe of the Tribune-Review:

"I do pay attention with what's going on with the big team," Heinbuck said. "But it really doesn't affect what we'll do in the draft."

In other words, expect the Penguins to select the best remaining player with the 22nd pick June 22 at Consol Energy Center. Even though the Penguins possess a lack of quality forwards and a surplus of defensemen in their system, Heinbuck and general manager Ray Shero selected defensemen with the first two picks in the 2011 draft and may again later this month.

Heinbuck is the Penguins' Director of Amateur Scouting. In both 2011 and 2009 he and Shero selected blue-chip defensemen in the first round, with Joe Morrow being the selection last year and Simon Despres getting the call in 2009.

For more on the Penguins, stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh and be sure to follow SB Nation's Penguins blog Pensburgh. For all your NHL news and notes, check out SB Nation's NHL hub.