According to my sources, the Penguins had serious interest in defenseman Wes O’Neill who signed with the Colorado Avalanche today. O‚ÄôNeill, 21, played four years at Notre Dame University, where he served as an alternate captain during his senior campaign in 2006-07. He finished second among Irish defensemen in points last season (21). The 6‚Äô4‚Äù, 200-pound native of Essex, Ontario was originally drafted in 2004 by the New York Islanders (115th overall)
There are about 5-7 NCAA players with NHL potential that are still free agents. The Penguins, Blue Jackets and Blues have shown an interest in University of North Dakota forward Chris Porter, who was unable to reach a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. Porter was drafted in the 9th round by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2003 but has NHL potential. From what I’ve been told the Penguins interest in Porter is mild. The deadline to sign NCAA players was August 15th
