Penguins/NHL
I talked to somebody close to the Penguins organization today who said the prospect Penguins scouts have been mostly impressed with thus far is forward Nick Johnson. (Height: 6-1 РWeight: 183 lbs- Birthdate: 1985-12-24 – 3rd round selection 2004).
The Penguins have had Johnson on a strict regiment to increase his strength and bulk up and he has responded very well. Johnson is a prospect that doesn‚Äôt garner much attention but keep a close eye on him.He’s at least a year away but the team likes his potential.
I have not been able to get any confirmation on names the Penguins have offered camp tryouts to. The Penguins have a strict policy that they will not leak the names of veteran invites Рit has something to do with respect of the players. I will abide by that and won’t even speculate at this point. I can confirm at this moment that the Penguins have not received acceptance of any of the veteran invites. That opens a couple of camp spots for the rookies
Ray Shero has had discussions with Rich Curran the agent for Daryl Sydor about Sydor’s future with the team for the upcoming season.
Still hearing Jordan Staal is seeking a short term deal. Most likely three years. More details will come out later this week. Pittsburgh discussed a four year – $13.5 million deal earlier in the summer
Expect to see a left wing by committee during training camp in regards to playing with Sidney Crosby. Crosby and Satan are locks to play together.
Ruslan Fedotenko and Pascal Dupuis will get the first looks.
Jordan Staal will get a strong look on Evgeni Malkin’s left wing. Staal has been doing some special work to get ready to play wing this season. Staal did start the 2007-2008 season opener on Crosby’s left wing but it remains to be seen whether Therrien will give Staal a look on Crosby’s line again.
The Penguins want to get Max Talbot off the fourth line and he will likely go into camp as the teams 3rd line center. Talbot will also get some work in at left wing, if the team ends up deciding to keep Jordan Staal at center
A source would not rule out Luca Caputi getting a brief look on Sidney Crosby’s left wing if he performs above expectations in the early goings of camp. Basically just to get his feet wet and see how he performs playing with elite players.
photo courtesy of Dan4thNicholas
