DEVELOPMENT CAMP: FORWARDS
The Penguins development camp gets underway tomorrow and runs from Tuesday through Saturday. Saturday’s scrimmage at 3:00 p.m. is open to the public. We’ll provide extensive coverage of the camp starting tomorrow and throughout the week.
Here’s a look at the forward group:
FORWARDS (21)
Scott Wilson, 2011 7th round pick, RW
Born: 04/24/1992 (21) | 5-11, 185 |
Profile: 2011 7th round pick, Wilson has the ability to become a late round gem. He’s a fast rising prospect in the Penguins system who scouts feel has NHL potential. Wilson plays the Penguins way in that he’s tenacious and is a very good hitter for a player his size. He had 16 goals and 38 points in 41 games for Umass-Lowell (HE) in 2012-2013 and had a standout freshman season in 2011-12, posting 16 goals and 22 assists for 38 points in 37 games.
Teddy Blueger, 2012 2nd round pick, LW/C
Born: 08/15/1994 (18) | 6-1, 183 |
Profile: Selected in the second round of the 2012 draft, Blueger had 6 goals and 19 points in 37 games for Minnesota State (WCHA) as a freshman. Skilled forward who possesses excellent vision.
Jason Megna, C/RW
Born: 02/01/1990 (23) | 6-1, 195 |
Profile: Signed as a free agent on August 1, 2012. Megna initially caught the eye of the Penguins coaching staff last fall and once the lockout ended was among the 15 forwards invited to Penguins camp. His first professional season, though, had mixed results and he struggled with his consistency. Megna had 5 goals and 12 points in 56 games for W-B/Scranton (AHL).
Oskar Sundqvist, 2012 3rd round pick, C
Born: 03/23/1994 (19) | 6-3, 185 |
Profile: 2012 3rd round pick. Scouts see a potential two-way third line type center in Sundqvist. Sundqvist had 17 goals and 33 points in 38 games for Skelleftea Junior (AIK).
Bryan Rust, 2010 3rd round pick, RW
Born: 05/11/1992 (21) | 6-0, 191 |
Profile: 2010 3rd round pick. Rust had a breakout junior season with Notre Dame, producing 15 goals and 34 points in 41 games. Rust was a +25 on the season for the Irish, team-high.
Dominik Uher, 2011 5th round pick, LW
Born: 12/31/1992 (20) | 6-1, 200 |
Profile: 2011 5th round pick. In his first professional season in the Penguins organization, Uher had 4 goals and 7 points in 53 games for Wilkes Barre. He plays a hard nosed game and has more offensively ability than his numbers showed.
Anton Zlobin, 2012 6th round pick, RW
Born: 02/22/1993 (20) | 5-11, 190 |
Profile: 2012 6th round pick. One of the most talented players in the Penguins system from a skilled standpoint but is he an NHL prospect? That remains to be seen. The compete level must improve. Zlobin had 29 goals and 91 points in 61 games for Val d’Or (QMJHL).
Jake Guentzel, 2012 3rd round pick, C
Born: 10/06/1994 (18) | 5-9, 153 |
Profile: 2013 3rd round pick. A smallish player who the Penguins feel isn’t done growing. Has very good hockey sense and plays a strong two-way game. Scouts praise his vision and anticipation. He’s regarded as a team-first player. Guentzel had 29 goals and 73 points in 60 games for Sioux City (USHL). He ended his first season in the USHL with a 21-game point streak (17G-26A-43PTS), the longest streak in league history. Guentzel was awarded the 2013 USHL Rookie of the Year.
Tom Kuhnhackl, 2010 4th round pick, LW
Born: 01/21/1992 (21) | 6-2, 173 |
Profile: 2010 4th round pick. Once regarded as one of the Penguins top-10 prospects, Kuhnhackl has struggled with the transition to pro but he’s a prospect who is still just 21 years old. Kuhnhackl appeared in just 13 games last season for Wilkes Barre/Scranton and Wheeling due to injury. He combined for 3 goals and 5 points.
Matia Marcantuoni, 2012 4th round pick, RW
Born: 02/22/1994 (19) | 6-0, 197 |
Profile: 2012 4th round pick. Marcantuoni is one of the best skaters in the Penguins system. Has excellent speed to get to pucks and projects as a potential role player. Had 7 goals and 25 points in 64 games for Kitchener (OHL).
Adam Payerl, RW
Born: 03/04/1991 (22) | 6-3, 218 |
Profile: Signed as free agent on 3/1/12. One of the few forwards in the Penguins system with a power forward type body, something (size) the Penguins lack in their system upfront as they target small players in the draft. Payerl though is a longshot to become a legitimate NHL player. Had 3 goals and 10 points in 44 games for W-B/Scranton (AHL).
Blaine Byron, 2013 6th round pick, C
Born: 02/21/1995 (18) | 5-11, 163 |
Profile: 2013 6th round pick. Had 12 goals and 52 points in 51 games combined for Kemptville (CCHL) and Smith Falls (CCHL).
Troy Josephs, 2013 7th round pick, C
Born: 05/09/1994 (19) | 5-11, 179 |
Profile: 2013 7th round pick. Had 17 goals and 37 points in 42 games for St. Michael’s (OJHL).
Jean-Sebastien Dea UFA, C
Born: 02/08/1994 (19)| 6-0, 155 |
Profile: Free agent. Had 45 goals and 85 points in 68 games for Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL). Dea ranked first in the QMJHL in power-play goals (25) and tied for second in the postseason (6).
Garnet Hathaway, UFA, RW
Born: 11/23/1991 (21) | 6-2, 200 |
Profile: Free agent. Had 6 goals and 21 points in 33 games for Brown University (ECAC).
Matt Lane, UFA, LW
Born: 03/15/1994 (19) | 5-10, 175 |
Profile: Free agent. Lane had 4 goals and 7 points in 37 games for Boston University (HE). He was named one of Team USA’s top three players at the 2012 World Under-18 Championships
Richard Nejezchleb, UFA, RW
Born: 05/02/1994 (19) | 6-2, 213 |
Profile: Free agent. Had 11 goals and 24 points in 35 games for Brandon (WHL).
Grant Opperman, UFA, RW
Born: 11/15/1993 (19) | 5-11, 180 |
Profile: Free agent. Had 12 goals and 27 points in 48 games for Tri-City (USHL).
Carter Rowney, UFA, RW
Born: 05/10/1989 (24) | 6-2, 202 |
Profile: Free agent. 10 Goals and 27 points in 41 games for North Dakota (WCHA).
A.J. White, UFA, LW |
Born: 04/19/1992 (21) | 6-2, 180 |
Profile: Free agent. Teammate of Scott Wilson’s for Umass-Lowell. White had 2 goals and 15 points in 33 games.
Tyler Barnes, UFA, RW
Born: 02/13/1990 (23) | 6-0, 180 |
Profile: Free agent. Had 15 goals and 30 points in 41 games for Wisconsin
