Penguins/NHL
Prospects Buzz
The Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins return to action Tuesday night vs Hartford and the month of December was all about Jake Guentzel tearing up the AHL.
Named Rookie of the month for December, Guentzel posted 11 goals and six assists for 17 points in 10 games. Guentzel recorded multi-point games in six of the 10 contests, and had points in nine of 10 games.
Guentzel enters tonight leading the AHL in goals (18) and points per game (1.31, among players who have appeared in 20 games).
Former Penguin draft pick Kenny Agostino leads the AHL with 43 points.
Over his last 17 games (12 AHL/5 NHL games), Guentzel has recorded 15 goals and 10 assists.
Scouts felt in late November Guentzel was too good for the AHL and he continues to live up to that talk. Now the question is when do the Penguins make room for him in a full-time role at the NHL level?
Sundqvist emergence also impacting Penguins’ expansion draft plans
Entering today, Oskar Sundqvist is top-10 in the AHL in points with 14 goals and 16 assists in 29 games. His overall transformation into an offensive difference maker has been a pleasant surprise. The organization has long felt Sundqvist had some untapped offensive ability that was only a matter of time to come out but he is dominating games to the point the Penguins didn’t expect.
The Penguins also don’t think this is some fluke.
The ability to create his own shot has been among the key developments in Sundqvist’s game. He’s 5th among AHL centers with 78 shots. Last season he had 66 shots on goal in 45 games.
Sunqvist’s development this season into one of the best AHL players and a player the Penguins believe is going to be a long-term two-way impact third or fourth line center will play a part in the Penguins expansion draft plans. [hide]
Sundqvist being a third year pro makes him eligible for the draft and he’s putting himself into strong consideration where he’ll be one of the seven forwards protected.[/hide]
Related posts:
AHL Leading Goal Scorer Jake Guentzel recalled
Latest Pens Buzz: Schultz’ Emergence a Game Changer for expansion draft & Latest Trade Chatter
Penguins recall Chuck Kobasew who has been tearing up the AHL
1st round draft chatter: Breaking down draft prospects linked to Steelers at Linebacker, O-Line & Defense Tackle
