Latest Pens Buzz: Bylsma confirms team looking into Doan, Semin; Despres viewed as No. 1 pairing w/ Letang?

Latest Developments

Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma speaking today for first time in a few weeks at today’s media session, confirmed that the team is looking into free agents Shane Doan and Alex Semin as possibilities.

The Penguins interest as I reported yesterday is strong on Doan and to this point the Penguins continue to discuss Semin internally who the team had been discussing prior to Semin’s agent Mark Gandler reaching out to the team last Thursday. Bylsma mentioned he doesn’t feel Semin fitting into the locker room would be an issue. “Where they fit, if they’re possibilities here, those are things Ray Shero is certainly looking at, ” Bylsma said. — I will have more on both a little bit later following today’s prospect camp practice.

TIDBITS

— In addition to Doan and Semin, Bylsma mentioned Tyler Kennedy, Eric Tangradi and Beau Bennett as internal top-6 options. I have my doubts about Tangradi or Bennett being realistic options in camp. Bylsma did admit he’s never really seen Bennett play in person.

— There continues to be strong signs about the Penguins wanting to break up Kris Letang and Brooks Orpik as a No. 1 pairing. Bylsma hinted today at Simon Despres being given a legitimate shot at that spot next season. “He has the ability to do everything, ” Bylsma said of Despres. The Penguins are considered unlikely to add a top-4 defenseman this off-season.