GM Ray Shero on Jeffrey/Waivers; MacIntyre; Versatility at wing; Fitzgerald

Day four of prospects camp is in the books and the only real highlight from today was a media session from GM Ray Shero.

The prospects had a team building day on Thursday and today went through on-ice testing, so that’s the reason for no Day 1 and Day 2 type scouting reports.

Tomorrow is the final day of prospects camp with a scrimmage at 3:00 p.m. It is open for the public for those looking to attend.

*Dustin Jeffrey’s deal may look like a bargain but his two way contract is likely guaranteeing him a spot on an NHL roster next season (Pittsburgh or elsewhere), assuming he’s healthy, which the Penguins expect him to be.

Jeffrey has to clear waivers for the Penguins to send him down to the minors and he’s a player who surely wouldn’t make it through waivers as several teams like him.

Shero said today that he regards Jeffrey as an NHL player.

“He’s a player this year that did not have arbitration rights, so that’s part of two way in first year. With Dustin, {it’s} documented he does need waivers this year. To go down to Wilkes Barre, he will require waivers….in our opinion he’s an NHL hockey player, ” GM Ray Shero said.

*While Shero indicated today that Steve MacIntyre was a player he has coveted for a few seasons, Shero stressed how important it was to sign an enforcer type to a two-way deal and that there’s no guarantee for MacIntyre in Pittsburgh or even Wilkes Barre.

” There’s no guarantee in Pittsburgh and there’s certainly no guarantee for Wilkes Barre. We’ll see how it goes in training camp for him on our team.”

Shero said today he explained the entire situation to Steve.

*Shero on Eric Godard: “He did have a fantastic job for us. We signed him three years ago and won a Stanley cup with us. Did his job well, protect his teammates, very well liked by the players. Wish him good luck in Dallas.”

*A lot of talk leading into training camp is about wingers being able to play the left and right side. Shero said today that he doesn’t feel a natural left winger can’t play the right side or vice versa.

“Guys who can play the left can play the right side, ” Shero said.

What to expect in training is a lot of experimenting as Shero indicated what you see on the first day might not be what you see on the 7th day.

Shero mentioned Neal, Kunitz and Sullivan as options to play the right side.

*A big hire for the Penguins has been Tom Fitzgerald who has emerged as a tremendous asset in the organization.

“Knowing his personality {knew each other from time in Nashville}, he’s been a great hire, “Shero said. “First hired as director of player devleopment back in 07-08 and he’s taking that obviously by leaps and bounds. He’s got the personality to interact with the players. He’s got over 1,000 games in the National Hockey League.

“He’s a motivator, he’s a teacher, he’s a shoulder for these guys to lean on. When we brought in Billy Guerin as player development coaches, similar qualities as Fitzy. I think players are fortunate to have him”