In expected moves this week, it was announced today that forward Eric Tangradi, defensemen Brian Strait, Robert Bortuzzo and goaltenders Brad Thiessen, Jeff Zatkoff have all signed AHL deals with the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins, allowing them to play in Wilkes Barre during the lockout.
Wilkes Barre reports to camp this weekend.
Going into camp, Tangradi projects as the first line left winger spot with Trevor Smith at center and likely Benn Ferriero at right wing.
Ferriero and Tangradi are two players could end up on the NHL roster for when the NHL season begins.
Meanwhile, the signings of Bortuzzo and Strait make roster spots even more difficult on the blueline with 11 defensemen expected to battle for seven or maybe 8 spots.

The group of defensemen now include Brian Strait, Robert Bortuzzo, Simon Despres, Joe Morrow, Brian Dumoulin, Dylan Reese, Alex Grant, Carl Sneep, Phillip Samuelsson, Joey Mormina, Reid McNeill.
DEPTH CHART
Strait – Bortuzzo
Despres – Grant
Morrow – Reese
Dumoulin – Sneep
Samuelsson – Mormina
Reid McNeill

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