Penguins/NHL
LATEST ROSTER BUZZThe Penguins currently have 13 forwards, 8 defensemen and 2 goaltenders on their active roster with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang on injured reserve.
Penguins GM Ray Shero talked today of the luxury of having an unlimited roster after April 3rd.
Once Letang returns healthy, the Penguins will have nine defensemen but due to the unlimited team rosters expanding after the deadline, Pittsburgh could keep all nine defensemen on the roster going down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Shero spoke today expecting all nine defenseman to stay saying the guys on D here now as the ones he expects here after the April 3rd trade deadline when the rosters expand.
The player in flux has been Robert Bortuzzo, a healthy scratch for 12 straight games. He has fallen to No. 9 on the depth chart and would like a regular opportunity, but the Penguins remain very intrigued about his upside and expect to keep him around, despite teams calling about him.
If Letang or Malkin returns this week, one option for the Penguins could be to send down Beau Bennett or Simon Despres. Despres and Bennett are the only Penguins who don’t need to clear waivers.
Shero said in acquiring Murray, the Penguins were looking for that “physical edge”, while also praising his character.
Murray won’t play tomorrow night vs the Montreal Canadiens but should make his debut Thursday night vs the Jets.
