Source: Pens management told Asham he would start on third line

Penguins management did not only sell Arron Asham on the idea of playing for a perennial Stanley Cup Contender but when discussing his role, a source involved in the negotiations told me that Pens management told Asham he would start on the third line and possibily “move up from there, ” the source told me today.

Asham was not recruited to play a 4th line role by any means I’m told.

Asham provides versatility at the center and wing position and has a unique blend of skill and toughness. The Penguins believe that in Dan Bylsma’s system, Asham could see some top two line minutes in certain situations like Matt Cooke has in the past.

Asham could replace Jordan Staal as the team’s third line center. A contact in Asham’s camp called it a “possibility” but that discussion did not come up at length during negotiations.

Tyler Kennedy is among the returning wingers who faces a tough battle to keep a spot in the top-9.