Penguins/NHL
Forward Konstantin Pushkarev, 24, arrived to Penguins camp on Wednesday via tryout invite. The 24 year old winger was a former second round pick of the LA Kings in 2003.
He has failed to reach his potential and spent last season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL.
At 6-0, 182 lbs, Pushkarev possess good speed and when drafted was regarded as having excellent “puck skills”.
In his first practice with the Penguins on Wednesday, he had a good first day. Has a lot of velocity on his shot. That’s what caught my eye early with him. Above average speed and in a few drills accelerated out of the corner with the puck.
Appears to be an aggressive player and I’m told he’s not a perimeter player.
Skated very hard for the most part and was among the hardest working players on the ice.
The issue with him that team insiders tell me is that he lacks ideal strength and he is very one dimensional.
He has never learned the importance of being a two-way player and he’s been regarded as a practice player.
Shows great skills that jump out to you in practice but when it comes to the games, he doesn’t produce.
Pushkarev will partcipate in the Black and Gold scrimmage tomorrow night.
More Camp Buzz
I’m told that defenseman
Brian Strait was caught off guard that he was among the first cuts. He expected to be in the lineup on Friday. The move was a smart decision by management.
He needs to focus on becoming more consistent in Wilkes Barre.
Pittsburgh native Nate Guenin will be in the lineup on Friday. He is pushing for a roster spot I’m told. Guenin is battling for the No. 7 defenseman spot.
In the organization, there is some back and forth going on regarding Ben Lovejoy. If he’s going to be scratched on most nights, Pittsburgh wants him to get top line minutes in Wilkes Barre.
Regardless, Lovejoy won’t be happy about starting the season in Wilkes Barre if that becomes the case.
