Despres going back to juniors? Pens place two on waivers

Following today's practice the Penguins have placed forward Ryan Craig and defenseman Andrew Hutchinson on waivers.

Hutchinson was the odd-man out in today's practice and Craig has been sidelined for several days with a groin injury. Craig is close to getting back to full health, head coach Dan Bylsma said earlier today.

The Penguins fully expect both players to clear waivers.

Defenseman Deryk Engelland appears safe for now and has survived today's cuts.

Although the team has not ruled out exploring the waiver wire for a veteran defenseman, the Penguins final roster decision will center around winger Eric Tangradi who told me today after practice that he hasn't received any word from Penguins management yet.

It is believed internally that the Penguins have made a decision on Simon Despres and the word from sources is that the team will send him back to juniors before Thursday's opener.

Dan Bylsma said today that if Despres would open up the season in Pittsburgh, they would want him to play and not just stick around here for the experience and be the 7th defenseman