The Latest Penguins Buzz

*Sidney Crosby went through his second consecutive practice this morning. The Penguins star center will play in the season opener but he’s still not 100%. Crosby’s not getting a strong push from his back legs but he’s slowly improving. Pittsburgh opens the season with back-to-back games. *Paul Bissonnette getting claimed did not surprise many in the organization. It was expected but Pittsburgh wasn’t prepared to keep Bissonnette in place of Eric Godard. Penguins winger Matt Cooke took Bissonnette under his wing a bit in training camp, working with him on the penalty kill. *With Tyler Kennedy moved up to the 2nd line, the organization wanted to explore the trade market and waiver wire to improve their wingers for Jordan Staal.

Penguins claim Chris Bourque; lose Bissonnette on waivers

SouthPointe, PA — The Pittsburgh Penguins had concern that Paul Bissonnette would be claimed on waivers and that has been the case as the team confirmed following today’s practice that Bissonnette was claimed by the Phoenix Coyotes. Bissonnette being claimed should not come as much of a surprise. Ryan Bayda, Nate Guenin, Chris Conner, and Deryk Engelland cleared waivers at noon today. All four players have been re-assigned to Wilkes Barre/Scranton. Pittsburgh though made a move, claiming forward Chris Bourque. Bourque is the son of hall-of-famer Raymond Bourque. Bourque will join the Penguins as their 13th forward and practice tomorrow with the team. Bourque, 23, had 73 points last season with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. He

Fedotenko eyes more consistency in year 2 with the Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Ruslan Fedotenko has all the motivation he needs as he enters his second season with the defending Stanley Cup Champions., Fedotenko returned to Pittsburgh signing a one year contract worth $1.8 million, a slight paycut over his salary of $2.25 million last season. There was significant interest in Fedotenko on the open market but he didn’t receive a “Rob Scuderi” type of offer that he couldn’t refuse. Coming off of a strong playoff run (7 goals) and training camp, Fedotenko is in a perfect situation to improve on a disappointing 16 goal season in 2008-2009.

The Latest Pirates Buzz

Photo: David Hague – Inside Pittsburgh Sports Pirates lose out on Sano While the Pirates are inching their way towards a 100 loss season, the big news of the week was the Pirates missing out on top Dominican Prospect Miguel Angel Sano. Sano reached an agreement with the Minnesota Twins, receiving a signing bonus of $3.15 million. There was a general belief that the Pirates were willing to go as high as $4.25 million but the team never offered more than $3 million. The Pirates were considered the favorites to land Sano but the longer he remained unsigned, it became clear the Pirates were out of the picture. Negotiations ended in August and Sano’s camp no longer wanted to deal

Five players placed on waivers

Defensemen Nate Guenin and Deryk Engelland were informed following today’s practice that both players have been placed on waivers. They have joined forwards Ryan Bayda, Chris Conner and Paul Bissonnette on waivers. The Penguins don’t expect Conner, Guenin or Engelland to be claimed. As for defenseman Ben Lovejoy, he saw a

Penguins sign defenseman Martin Skoula

The Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to terms with veteran defenseman Martin Skoula. The deal is a one year contract worth close to $600,000 and a one-way contract. Pittsburgh has shown an interest in Skoula since mid-August and he was their top free agent target behind Philippe Boucher for the teams No. 7 defenseman spot. Skoula was recently on a professional tryout with the Columbus Blue Jackets. *Forward Ryan Bayda who did not practice this morning was placed on waivers today at 12:00 p.m, along with four others. The Penguins will begin the season with 21 players on their roster. Max Talbot, Mark Letestu and Ben Lovejoy will begin the season on injured reserved. Skoula has been informed by the Penguins

Steelers sign FB Carey Davis

The Pittsburgh Steelers have brought back full back Carey Davis. The team agreed to terms with the former full back this afternoon, TIOPS contributor Mike Vukovcan has learned. An official announcement is expected this afternoon from the team. Davis will practice with the team on Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday night against the San Diego Chargers. Tight end David Johnson will be sidelined for 2-4 weeks with an high ankle sprain and FB Frank Summers will not be available against San Diego due to a back injury.

Tuesday Practice Report: Talbot at least 6 weeks away from returning

Tuesday’s Practice Report Winger Max Talbot (shoulder) continues his rehabilitation and is skating for about 30 minutes before his teammates will take the ice. Talbot is working with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar. All signs indicate Talbot’s rehab is on schedule but he is at least 6 weeks away (likely more) from returning. Talbot can barely shoot the puck with any velocity and he has a ways to go. Sidney Crosby (groin) will practice this morning. more to come