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Pictures of the youngsters at development camp. Nice to see the skating Penguin back on the ice. [Penguins.com]
"The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Andy O’Brien as the team’s Director of Sport Science and Performance and Andreas Hüppi as Sports Massage Therapist." They will also still add a strength and conditioning coach that will report to O'Brien. Gary Roberts will also work closely with O'Brien. [Penguins.com]
Andy O'Brien has a very famous clientele of NHL players (starting with Sidney Crosby) and also repeat trainees like John Tavares, Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon, among others. All those guys have shown a lot of improvement, have execellent skating, stamina and conditioning. [The Hockey News from 2014]
Last year as a rookie Matt Murray played 40 games, posted a 25-10-3 record, .941 save %, 1.58 GAA and the AHL record shutout streak. No big deal but how can he possibly try to follow that up? [Empty Netters]
Next year's 4th line could look very different with young players like Conor Sheary, Oskar Sundqvist Bryan Rust and Scott Wilson looking to impress starting at development camp and hope to carry momentum into September's big boy training camp. [Tribune Review - Bombulie]
Derrick Pouliot is working towards full-time role. An important article since most already are putting the youngster on the second pair. He's still very young, fairly green and has a long development in front of him, to go along with the impressive tools and ability. [Penguins.com]
Speaking of Pouliot, how about this quote? "I’ve lost 8 pounds, added a lot of muscle," he continued. "I’ve been working out with Gary Roberts. There’s no messing around with that guy. It’s all business." Music to everyone's ears. [DK on Pittsburgh Sports $]
Speaking of the WB/S Penguins, they re-signed defenseman Clark Seymour to an AHL contract.[WBS Penguins]
Former Penguin Taylor Pyatt has announced his retirement from hockey at age 33. Pyatt played last season in the Swiss league after finishing the year with the Pens. [TB Newswatch]
One guy who probably won't be retiring is Matt Cullen (who turns 39 in November). He's getting interest on the free agency market and it looks like he will be back for his 18th season in the NHL next year. Team, TBD. [ProHockeyTalk]
The Devils avoid arbitration and get defenseman Eric Gelinas signed for 2 years for a $1.575 million cap hit, which seems like a good deal for the team. [In Lou We Trust]
One player who might go to arbitration and has a strong case is the faux 68, Mike Hoffman. [TSN - Yost]
Emerson Etem signs with the Rangers (acquired in Carl Hagelin trade, you might remember) for one year, $850,000. [ProHockeyTalk]
Braden Holtby with comparisons to Pekka Rinne and soon will have a huge payday in the $5.5-$6.5 million range. [Puck Daddy]
The Jets best bet might be trading Big Buff. [Arctic Ice Hockey]
5 questions surrounding the Sharks. Not questioned: Paul Martin because you just don't need to. [Fear the Fin]
Johnny Oduya 's agent has announced that the defenseman won't be back in Chicago. [Second City Hockey]
Oduya has reportedly turned down a 3 year, $15 million offer from Buffalo, so either he's not a fan of that rebuild or must think there's another good payday out there. [Die By the Blade]