The Latest Penguins Buzz

Veterans preparing for training camp Many veterans on the team have arrived in Pittsburgh as the Stanley Cup Champions report to training camp on Sept. 12. Forwards Sidney Crosby, Sergei Gonchar, Chris Kunitz, Bill Guerin and defenseman Jay McKee have been skating for the past week at the Iceoplex complex in preparation for training camp. Goaltender Brent Johnson has also joined them after he drew some criticism for practicing with members of the Washington Capitals last month at the Capitals practice facility. Pittsburgh native Christian Hanson of the Toronto Maple Leafs also skated last week with Crosby and co. Hanson is currently participating in the 2009 rookie tournament. Reese accepts training camp invite to Columbus Defenseman Dylan Reese of Upper

Rookie Tournament: Leafs beat Penguins 3-1

*Based in Southern Ontario, Junior “A” talent evaluator Brian Kelly is a special contributor to Inside Pittsburgh Sports, covering the 2009 Rookie Tournament. Kitchener, Ontario – The Pittsburgh Penguins top prospects got their first look at Swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson Sunday night in the Penguins opening game in the 2009 Rookie Tournament. Gustavsson was strong in net making 36 saves and leading the Maple Leafs to a 3-1 win. The Maple Leafs got goals from Alex Berry, Viktor Stalberg and Greg Scott. For Pittsburgh it was a game they would like to move on from. They were outworked and out chanced as the Leafs were the faster and more physical team. Brian Burke is quickly building the Leafs system into

Maple Leafs sign Christian Hanson to a two-year entry level contract

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Notre Dame forward Christian Hanson to a two-year entry level contract. Hanson who is from Venetia PA, is the son of Dave Hason, one of the famed Hanson brothers from the movie “Slap Shot”. At 6’4″ and 225 pounds, the 23-year-old Hanson is a two-way centerman with third/fourth line potential in the National Hockey League. Hanson scored 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points in 37 games for the Fighting Irish this season. Hanson had drawn interest from up to¬†eight teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins.