Draft Wrapup & Rumblings: Penguins primed for another impact move via free agency or trade

DRAFT WRAPUP

After stockpiling defensemen in round 1 with the selections of Derrick Pouliot (No. 8) and Olli Maata (No. 22), Pittsburgh addressed a pressing organization need (goaltender depth) today with selection of goaltender Matthew Murray in the third round and Sean Maguire in the fourth round. "I thought it was really productive for us, " GM Ray Shero said. "Getting a couple goalies positionally, we did a good job and getting couple extra draft picks was beneficial and our scouts were ecstatic. "This was a real combination this year with our amateur and pro scouts. They did a really good job.

The Penguins in the second round selected Shattuck St. Mary's center Theodor Blueger (6-0, 171 lbs). Pittsburgh went off the board to select Blueger who is the No. 116th ranked North American Skater. Blueger dropped from being the No. 69 ranked player in the mid-term rankings to No. 116 in Central Scoutings final rankings.

Blueger had 24 goals - 64 assists - 88 points in 51 games last season. For Lativa in the World Championships under 20-'s, Blueger had 3 points in six games. The Penguins continue to target players who have played in big time competition and that was evident once again.Blueger is regarded as an offensive threat and has great hands and playmaking ability.

With their first selection in the third round (No. 81), Pittsburgh selected defensive minded center Oskar Sundqvist (6-3, 173lbs) out of the Sweden. Sundqvist had 8 goals and 17 points last season for Swe-Skelleftea.

Pittsburgh added goaltender Matthew Murray at No. 83 with their second pick of the third round. Murray is the No. 18th ranked North American goaltender. Murray did not have great numbers for Sault St. Marie (OHL), as he went 13-19-0-1, with a 4.08 goals-against average and an .876% save percentage in 36 games.

Murray though greatly improved his stock with his performance for Canada in the under-18 World Championships. Murray helped Canada win bronze, posting a 2.72 goals-against average and a .910% save percentage. Viewed as a strong competitor, Murray is regarded as having an NHL frame and excellent quickness. His rebound control though is suspect.

With the first pick of the fourth round (No. 92), Pittsburgh drafted Kitchener Rangers forward Matia Marcantuoni (5-11, 194) who some scouts feel was tremendous value at that spot. For the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, the 5-foot-11, 194-pound center had 9 goals, 14 points and a plus-2 rating in 24 games for the Rangers this season. Marcantuoni through was injured and lost for the season in January. Marcantuoni went from No. 42 in the mid-term rankings to No. 59 in the final central scouting rankings. He was the highest ranked player selected by the Penguins on day 2. As a rookie in 2010-11, the Toronto native had 11 goals, 27 points and a minus-7 rating in 42 contests. Marcantuoni is viewed as one of the purest skaters in the draft and regarded as being explosive, powerful, and physical. Scouts feel he already has an NHL shot.

Pittsburgh then added Powell Rivers goaltender Sean Maguire (6-2, 200 lbs) with the No. 113th overall selection and their second pick of the fourth round. Maguire who is committed to Boston University, was 17-12-1 with a 2.33 GAA and .913 save percentage last season for the Powell River Kings. Maguire was the No. 28th ranked North American goaltender.

Maguire was the Gold Medal starting goalie for Team Canada West at the World Jr. A Challenge in Langley B.C. in November of 2011. Maguire was also named the WJAC Tournaments Top Goaltender ahead of the top two ranked NHL Central Scouting international goaltenders

In the 5th round, Pittsburgh selected Peterborough (OHL) defenseman Clark Seymour (6-3, 205 lbs). Seymour is a defensive defenseman with good size and a physical edge. He had 8 points in 47 games.

Pittsburgh's last selection of the day was Shawinigan (QMJHL) right winger Anton Zlobin (5-11, 195lbs) in the six round (No. 173). The russian winger had 40 goals and 76 points in 66 games last season.

GM Ray Shero has revamped his roster to some extent and created salary cap space where the Penguins have put themselves in position for another impact move.

The team was very active in trade talks and there are some trade scenarios established that the Penguins know they could move on in the coming weeks. "There were certainly plenty of offers being made, at least ones that came my way, " Shero said.

The plan for the Penguins now though is to regroup this weekend and formulate a plan next week going into July 1, which could lead to an impact move in free agency or via trade.

Shero and the Penguins appear prepared to make another splash.