Penguins Prospects 2010
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 12, 2010 4:57 PM EDT
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PrintAs everyone is aware, the Penguins are set to kick off their annual prospect Development Camp tomorrow at Southpointe, with mostly every one of the big names on the roster - Tangradi, Simon Despres and 2010 1st round pick Beau Bennett.
But who are the ones to keep an eye on? Here's my ridiculously unofficial rankings of prospects heading into the 2010 season.
1. D Simon Despres, played 2009-10 season with the St. John Seadogs (QMJHL), 6'4" 205,19 years old
63 GP, 9 G, 38 A, +26, 87 PIM; 19 points in 21 playoff games
Has an outside chance of making the Penguins roster as a 7th defenseman, but it's most likely that he'll play 2010 in the Q once again. Showed some great offensive poise with St. John, although his NHL future probably projects more to be a versatile defender. I'd like to think he makes his debut at some point in 2011, either on the opening day roster or as an injury call-up.
2. LW Eric Tangradi, played 2009-10 season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL), 6'4" 221, 21 years old
65 GP, 17 G, 22 A, -1, 31 PIM; 8 power play goals
A popular favorite to break camp with the Penguins, he has the frame and skill set of a prototype NHL power forward. Played one game with the Penguins, recording 3 shots against the Islanders. There is no doubt he's a very talented hockey player (you don't draw Kevin Stevens comparisons for nothing), but is he ready enough to take a role on a line with Crosby or Malkin?
3. C Dustin Jeffrey, played 2009-10 season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL), 6'2" 205, 22 years old
77 GP, 24 G, 47 A, +16, 16 PIM; 236 shots on net
Another possibility to make the Penguins roster out of training camp, he too played in one NHL game last season. He will be appearing in his 4th Developmental camp. He plays with grit, energy and has no problem battling along the boards although he's not a natural scorer. A primary candidate for the 3rd center job, assuming Staal makes the jump to center Malkin's line.
4. D Carl Sneep, played 2009-10 season with Boston College (NCAA), 6'4" 212, 22 years old
42 GP, 11 G, 17 A, 26 PIM
A big-body defenseman that can move well, he's also added some bulk in his time at BC. Not really a ton of offensive prowess but does have a nice shot and will most likely play in Wilkes-Barre this coming season. It's probably not entirely out of the question that he could be called up at some point in 2010.
5. D Brian Strait, played 2009-10 season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL), 6'1" 200, 22 years old
77 GP, 2 G, 12 A, +22, 73 PIM
A jack of all trades on the blue line but a master of none, Strait is another fundamentally sound college defender does all the little things right. May not have any one outstanding talent but could make for a good option as the 7th defenseman.
6. D Robert Bortuzzo, played 2009-10 season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL), 6'3" 212, 21 years old
75 GP, 2 G, 10 A, +13, 109 PIM
A tall defender who was one of three WBS defensemen who put up 100+ PIM in the 09-10 season, he's not an offensive minded guy at all. Plays a shut down game with some physical authority at times as he's added close to 20 pounds since being drafted in 2007. An intriguing player because he's yet another young Penguin defenseman who shoots right-handed, he should push for a starting job alongside Goligoski, as he is bigger and more defensively inclined than Lovejoy, but less refined.
7. RW Beau Bennett, played 2009-10 season with Penticton (BCHL), 6'1" 175, 18 years old
56 GP, 41 G, 79 A, 120 PTS, 20 PIM; 25 power play goals
No doubt has excellent scoring pedigree, but remains very inexperienced and probably won't get a taste of professional hockey for another 3 years. Committed to the University of Denver, the 18 year old may just learn more in a week of prospect camp than he does in the entire year in college.
8. LW Ben Hanowski, played 2009-10 season with St. Cloud State (NCAA), 6'2" 200, 19 years old
43 GP, 9 G, 10 A, 19 PIM
Has drawn comparisons with Sabres winger Thomas Vanek since his high school days. A natural scorer who can shoot the puck from anywhere and is more than willing to go to any high scoring area. Also has an underrated passing ability. Although he won't be in the Penguins organization this coming season, he should continue his development in college and take another step forward as a scorer.
9. GK Alexander Pechurskiy, played 2009-10 season with Tri-City (WHL), 6'0" 190, 20 years old
13-10, 2.61 GAA, 0.912 SV%; 4 shutouts
Although he became the first Russian to play in net for the Penguins, he certainly isn't the first Penguin from Magnitogorsk. Nobody will forget the debut he made against the Canucks on an amateur tryout, and was named 3rd star of the game. One of the few goaltenders in hockey that may be able to match MAF's athleticism, he plays more a hybrid style than butterfly. Is still very much a work in progress and was not invited to the prospect camp.
10. D Philip Samuelsson, played 2009-10 season with Boston College (NCAA), 6'3" 200, 19 years old
42 GP, 1 G, 13 A, 36 PIM
Already a household name in Pittsburgh thanks to Ulf, he played alongside Sneep at BC. Still a very raw defender, he's good in the defensive zone with his stick and also possesses a powerful shot from the point.
Can't wait for hockey season to begin! Let's Go Pens
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You never know. It’s not about the best player, it’s who has the best chance. Dustin Jeffrey has quite a good shot at being the 3rd line center if he beats out Letestu.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Well, if you wanted to get technical, a lot of these guys will “play” for the Penguins next year. I assumed you meant who has the best chance of permanently making the roster out of camp. In that regard, I’d vote Tangradi over Jefferey, since Eric will give us something we don’t have and Jeffrey is just another bottom six guy.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
Fixed it
That’s what I meant, who has the best chance of making the opening day roster. I’m sure the majority of those guys will play at some point, except for Despres of course. He’ll either be with the Pens or back in the Q.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
By the way, nice job with the list. It’s a lot better than some “official” stuff.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
Tangradi w/o a doubt… Our depth at either W’s pretty thin…
But I really, really, really want Hanowski, Sneep & Pechurski to do well…
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
Obviously
I want those three to do well and everyone else on this list. Hanowski and Pechurskiy are certainly raw and have a long ways to go. Sneep is the most ready but he still needs a year in the AHL for refinement. Wouldn’t mind seeing him play a few games with the Pens this year though.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Thanks for the scouting reports.
But what about Conner, Johnson, Letestu & Wallace? What’s your take on them and why’d you leave them off your list?
Shero gets an A. Burkie gets a checkmark.
Conner isn’t a prospect. He’s 26 and is now going on his 5th season in the NHL. Johnson is also a bit old to be called a prospect but I guess I don’t really care for his upside as much as some of the others – he’s played either in WBS or Wheeling for the last 3 years and doesn’t really seem to have any place on this team, at least on a full time basis.
Letestu is 25, again not a prospect. I really only included guys 21-22 and younger. Wallace is someone who I’ve never been able to look at and see something I’d want on an NHL roster. As a fill-in, fine, but not as an everyday player.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
#7D - for this year?
BPurkey – How do you see the Pens filling the #7 (and/or #8) role on D this year?
They don’t appear to have any cap space to sign anyone else.
Do they just call up Engelland?
Someone else?
Or will they audition the prospects?
Or find a way to sign a vet #7 after all?
Or something else altogether?
We do have a little cap space, but I think it’ll widely depend on if they choose to sign a 3rd line center like the plan. If that happens, then we can’t sign anybody.
As it stands right now, the No. 7 is probably Engelland, followed closely by Bortuzzo and Strait. The only thing I can think of that could throw a monkey wrench into the operation is if Despres comes out and really impresses the coaching staff at camp. It’s not impossible that he makes the team, although it is a long shot, but I also don’t think they’ll send him back to St. John if they think he can honestly contribute at the NHL level.
But Lovejoy isn’t a lock for the #6 (it’s a wide assumption, and fairly safe at that) and if anyone can push him for the job, I think it’s Bortuzzo. He’s better defensively and more physical than Lovejoy, but he’d be much more mistake-proned with the puck. It’s just a preference, if they want more of a defensive presence, they go with Bortuzzo or possibly Engelland, if they want more two-way smarts, go with Lovejoy.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 12, 2010 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
they’ve shown a definite and consistent preference for “two-way smarts,” so that’s got to be a big edge for Lovejoy as #6.
sounds like #7 is likely to be “by committee” — at least for the 1st 1/2 of the year — they’ll rotate some of the young guys through for an audition w/ live bullets B4 setting up the pecking order as the playoffs draw near.
it also seems like they like what they have there. otherwise, you think we’d hear more about plans to sign a vet #7.
Well, Shero’s shown a preference for a proven vet who’s arguably over the hill but still productive as his 7th… Unfortunately, that’s a luxury we can’t really afford this year.
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
And even if we could, who to sign? Salei from Colorado fits the bill but can we afford him? He’s a physical guy, good locker room character and no doubt would make Malkin happy. I’d give him a million or so if we don’t go after a 3rd line center
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 13, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m thinking of a forward… While its true you can’t have enough talent on the blue-line, after spending so much $$$ on Ricky & Mickey, if we don’t bolster our forward line and instead throw more money at the D, we might actually hear grumbles…
small ones though
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
Why's that a problem?
You shouldn’t hear any grumbles from me or anyone else. No, you can’t make everyone happy but if any town should know that defense wins championships, it’s this one. I’ve always personally saw it futile to add a 3rd center – we have Jeffrey & Letestu who could both do the job for less than half the cost while losing very little quality.
While we certainly have good defensive depth at this point, I still think that the majority of the main good ones (Despres, Sneep, Bortuzzo, Strait) still need another year or so before they’re completely ready. Adding someone like Salei would fill a couple needs – great No 6-7 defenseman, great locker room guy which Shero loves, and he’s a physical defender which surely an area we have no surpluses. Money well spent.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 14, 2010 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
not when we’re this bottom heavy with wingers… Tangradi’s not starting higher than the third line…
Even if it’s just a loaner I’d take a twilighting winger on his hail mary for the cup… Agreed on the 3rd C part… It should go to Letestube…
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
I would say the battle for 7th would be Engelland, Wagner and Hutchinson. Not saying Bortuzzo and Strait wont get a look this year. But if a D goes down in week 1 I’d expect one of those three to be the first to get it. They are not going to sit Despres in the press box as a 7th defenseman.
by genomachine-O on Jul 13, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Not a chance
Only way Despres stays is if they think he’s good enough to play every night. It’s possible, but not probable.
I know Wagner and Hutchinson were signed, but I’d really rather not have them coming in as a #6. Neither of them are good defensively. Wagner’s a good skater with some offensive upside while Hutchinson is yet another puck mover who can play the PP. We can make do without the offense, I just would much rather have the #6 dman not be a defensive liability like those two would. Which is why I’d rather have an Engelland or Bortuzzo – I know they won’t provide any offense – but they’ll be strong defensively.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 13, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Only way Despres stays is if they think he’s good enough to play every night. It’s possible, but not probable.
They could keep him for up to 10 NHL games without burning a year of his credit towards becoming a UFA. If Despres is clearly amongst the 6 best defensemen I think that’s what’ll happen. But I doubt he beats Lovejoy convincingly.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Let’s be honest, stranger things have happened, and he was extremely impressive last year in the Q. The Pens of all teams should have a very good indication what that means, as we have quite a few alumni of that league on our current roster.
Nobody expected Myers to make the Sabres squad last year but he did. I’m certainly not planning on a Myers V.2 but I’m also not going to count out the possibility that he could make the squad.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
I wouldn’t go that far. Tyler Myers almost made the Sabres in 2008, so it certainly wasn’t a surprise when he did in 2009.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
so…if Despres follows that script, maybe he “almost” makes it this year, and its no surprise when he’s on the Penguins next year.
Right
Even if he does have a very productive camp, even though he’s no more impressive than Lovejoy, I still wouldn’t mind seeing him get the 10 games Hooks said earlier at the beginning of the season. Wouldn’t hurt to get his feet a little wet in the NHL, if he’s shown he can play well enough
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 14, 2010 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes he did. Nobody is the wrong word – but it should be said that most people expected when he did make the Sabres roster out of camp, that he’d be sent down within a week anyway.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 14, 2010 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Which is why I’d rather have an Engelland or Bortuzzo – I know they won’t provide any offense – but they’ll be strong defensively
co-sign.
I’m not sure how confident we can be in a defenseman’s defensive capability when they’ve never played more than 15 games in an NHL season.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
An adequate point, to be sure
But I’d still rather have defensemen who know know what they’re doing in their own end in that role as opposed to some who have proven several times to not have that ability in their repertoire.
Experience is great, but how would it help us to have more puck moving, offensive defensemen in reserve roles? Granted if someone like Letang or Gogo went down with injury, it’s probable to replace them with like-minded players, but for any other situation, I’d feel much better having defense first dmen in.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 14, 2010 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
But I’d still rather have defensemen who know know what they’re doing in their own end in that role as opposed to some who have proven several times to not have that ability in their repertoire.
How do we know that Engelland and Bortuzzo are any better in their own end than anyone else? They’ve established no sample at the NHL level, so I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions. They could end up being terrible…
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
No
It’s no guarantee. You’re right, it could be an utter disaster calling either of them up. And obviously if neither impress in training camp or the preseason games, it’s pointless to rely on either during the season.
BUT we do know exactly what we’re getting out of Hutchinson and Wagner. They’ve been career journeymen for a reason, neither can play defense at an NHL level. Sure they’re nice organizational depth players, but I’d much rather see both logging their minutes in WBS.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Regarding a veteran 7th defenseman- Don’t forget about waiver claims. Right when the season begins teams will need to get down to that 23 man roster max (i think?) and even throughout the season the Pens front office should be watching. Some teams have too many defenseman and will drop them to waivers hoping to squeak them through to the minors or dump them completely. Pens front office can watch and scan through the waived defenseman, match for the right price, put in a claim and poof! We got a scrub 7th defenseman for nothing.
Craig Adams was a waiver claim. Illya Bryzgalov was a waiver claim by Phoenix from Anaheim. Could be the best thing Gretzky helped accomplish in Phoenix! Atleast Anyone remember when LA claimed Kyle Quincey from Detroit?? I thought Detroit was crazy but they had to do what they had to do based on team needs… Of course LA traded him to Colorado but he’s looking pretty good with the Aves today. Rich Peverley was claimed from Nashville by Atlanta, he put up 50+ points in Atlanta last year.
That's a great point
Calgary immediately comes to mind there. They have 7 defensemen under contract already + RFA Ian White, and they’re already over the cap. Someone has to go. Tampa has 8 defensemen under contract – and I surely wouldn’t mind having a big, physical defenseman like Smaby as a backup.
If we’re going to sign anyone instead of a 3rd line center, you’d have to figure Willie Mitchell would be close to the top of the list, although he’d bump Lovejoy to the 7th man.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 13, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Last year the Pens didn’t sign Skoula either until the last hour of the pre-season. So good point, you never know where or when the depth move may come from.
The one thing you do know is it’ll be a player making close to league minimum.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
yeah, good point, Shade.
sidenote: can any remind me WHY the Pens didn’t claim Bryzgalov? Pitt was still in the cellar, i believe.
but anyhow…i don’t think they’ll sign a vet #7 b/c of the cap and the guys they DO have in the system
it would be great to have that guy, but its a luxury—a BIG one at that—when COMPARED to the forward situation.
Bryzgalov was picked up before the 2007 season if I remember right
Why would we have picked him up at that point? Fleury had just turned in a 40-win, 5 shutout season the year before that I still think was the best in his career to date. We may have had a few needs after getting beat by Ottawa but goaltending was probably pretty low on management’s list of things to address.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
by BobPurkey34 on Jul 14, 2010 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions
you pick him b/c he’s available for FREE
was signable on the cheap
when you can sign talented players for minimal $’s you do it
i wasn’t following the Pens that closely at the time
but my sense was they didn’t want Fleury to feel threatened or create a “goaltender controversy”
Nothing is ever free
Just because we got Adams off waivers doesn’t mean we don’t have to pay him. It’d be the same with Bryzgalov, and there’s no point in having two goalies making No 1 money on the same roster.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
well, he was signable for cheap. wasn’t going to get No. 1 money after being waived. and the Pens had no cap issues then.
i’m sure i’m missing something, but i don’t think the issue was money.
MTL had 2 pretty good goalies until a few weeks ago, and they were able to deal one for a pretty nice return.
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