Pens sign New Hampshire's Paul Thompson and also a pair of draft picks
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 28, 2011 3:35 PM EDT
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PrintNot much going on in Pens world today, it's the calm before the storm of tomorrow's Philadelphia game that could put the Pens in a virtual dead-heat for the #1 seed in the East (with a regulation win) or pretty much kick them into a likely 4th seed (with a regulation loss). Or, of course, if it's a 3 point game it just muddies the water that much more, so probably count on that.
Anyways, the Pens have made splashes with younger players today. They signed Paul Thompson, college hockey's leading PP scorer, Hockey East player of the year and Hobey Baker finalist. Thompson's senior season with New Hampshire recently ended, so the undrafted player was open to sign with any NHL team. Thompson spent time last year with the Penguins at a rookie development camp, and the familiarity with the organization had to have factored heavily in his decision.
The Pens have developed many undrafted free agent college players in recent years. Mark Letestu is the biggest success story, and Ben Lovejoy has become and NHL player as well. Brad Thiessen has become one of the best AHL goalies this season and John Curry has developed into a solid pro as well.
The Pens have also added two young defensemen via amateur try outs. Joe Rogalski and Viktor Ekbom (6th round, 2009) will join Wilkes-Barre for the rest of the season. Ekbom, 21, just finished a season in the Swedish Elite League and will be getting his first taste of professional action this side of the pond. Rogalski, 19, had a much improved second season in the OHL.
The "big fish" of college aged free agent signings is Merrimack's Stephane De Costa, a late-blooming player out of France, of all places. He is in Toronto with his agents reviewing any number of options, including interest from the Penguins, it's been reported. De Costa is expected to decide what team he will play for within the next few days.
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I watched quite a bit of the NCAA hockey tourny over the weekend, between flipping between baseball, college basketball, and NHL games. I remember vague glimpses of Thompson, but as a team from what I watched with New Hampshire, they were good; very organized, disciplined. That game against Notre Dame, parts I watched, they were up against a great goalie for the Irish, and they couldn’t get some breaks.
What’s the point? If he’s coming from a system/ team with some accountability, it should be a little easier for him to fit in with one of our clubs.
Over at HockeysFutures boards, they were saying Thompson looked like he got hurt early in that game, so it was not a good way to judge him. He had a great regular season, and is projected as a winger with a good scoring touch — that sounds like something the team can always use.
From what I’ve read about Thompson, he fancies himself to be a Chris Drury like player- hard worker, goal scorer, good team guy. I hear his hands are good but his skating might be what he needs to improve.
Almost reminds me of a Matt Moulson type player from the descriptions I’ve heard (maybe with a better motor)…Hopefully he has that sort of skill-set and upside.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I think some rough edges we have to expect. Odds are he’s not going to see action in the Big Leagues for a couple of years anyway. Having him in WBS or Wheeling for a couple of years to taper his game will do all parties involved some good. It’s what the farm teams are for.
Besides, with his pedigree & coming from a system like he does, I think Thompson is gonna do just fine…
If Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too.
Viktor Ekbom sounds very good for some reason. Swedish defensemen are usually very intelligent, smooth, and sound players. Actually, Swedish players in general have these traits.
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
He finished his 2nd full season in the SEL, no small feat for such a young player, though I must admit I know nothing about his role there or what he may or may not have been asked to do in terms of minutes and PP or PK. His numbers don’t jump off the page (0g, 6a in 49 games) but it’s useless to judge that to North American standards, since the game is so different.
I’m excited he’s at least coming over and getting to see the Pens up close. Some Europeans never have interest in going that far, so that he’s willing to come over on a try out and play in the AHL is a good step. Hopefully it works out.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I’ve been reading a bit about him. His style compares to that of Jonathan Ericcson of the Wings. He plays a simple defensive game. He doesnt project as an elite prospect, but he can provide good depth for the organization
by stoopidtom on Mar 28, 2011 5:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t know about this De Costa kid though. I hear the hype, but I don’t trust the French.
Ya, I went there.
I’m going to try to get interviews with the two defensmen (Rogalski & Ekbom) when I get to their next practice.
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nice, I’m really intrested in Rogalski as I see him as someone who can develop into Robert Bortuzzo esque player.
by gingerredboy on Mar 28, 2011 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
The Pens young pipeline of D should be good…
Despite the “big 4” locked up for a long time, Engelland and Lovejoy are locked into very good contracts for 3 years…Niskanen’s RFA rights mean he’ll stay (or get good pieces) for a while.
—Brian Strait and Robert Bortuzzo have solid NHL potential…
—Carl Sneep and Alex Grant still have the chance to grow into solid pros
—Simon Despres, at worst, will be in the AHL next year and probably the NHL sooner than later (less than 2 years)
—Phillip Samuelsson probably stays in school, BC, for his junior year where he’ll be a key contributor on arguably the best program in the country for developing defensemen lately
—Lesser guys like Nick D’Agostino and Alex Velisheck have longer-term options as they continue to develop
And then there’s guys like Rogalski and Ekbom, who will have the early chance to show something as pros this spring in the organization.
The Pens D line is well-stocked. Despres ought to be a stud and on pure numbers alone I’d think they ought to develop a few more NHL options (or trading chips). As injuries have proven, you can never have too many good defensemen and finding them can be tough.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Yeah Shero is very good at drafting and has given us a defensive stockpile in the minors that will be very valuable for years to come.
by gingerredboy on Mar 28, 2011 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
score!
Thompson as a FREE agent? Nice work, that.
Whoever recruited him to the Pens rookie development camp should get much credit.
Or, of course, if it’s a 3 point game it just muddies the water that much more, so probably count on that.
Ah, so true. You can always count on something happening that puts you on the edge of your seat. The Pens could have just played on the “Defy Ordinary” slogan and made the 2010-2011 season “Expect Absurdity”. What an eventful year.
On a related note, look at how close the seeding is in both conferences and the list of teams playing tonight. Huge night for scoreboard watching.
Dear Stephane DeCosta:
Wanna play for an organization that may put you in the NHL within a year? Come to Pittsburgh.
Wanna win a Calder Cup? Come to Pittsburgh (or, at least Wilkes-Barre for a little while).
Wanna play for a team that badly needs right-handed shots for the PP unit? Come to Pittsburgh.
Wanna play on a line with Staal and Malkin in the near future? Come to Pittsburgh.
Talk about not needing 2nd Round draft picks…
When you win 13 titles, you can wear the title belt. Until then, Aaron Rodgers will continue to do so.
Good ideas.
I’m curious though, as to how many French players there are in the NHL or have been and how well they have done. We all know about the Russian players who fizzle out it seems in the NHL, and a lot of teams are wary of investing a lot into the Ruskies, but what about the French?
Some one get on this date- GoPens! I’m lookin’ at you.
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