Pens Points: Olli Checks In

Good morning one and all,

The prospect development camp is having an off-ice day. Back on the ice tomorrow, but in the meantime let's check up on all the news.

Olli Maatta is progressing one step at a time, and hopes to earn a spot on the top pair. If Olli's good to go, the job is his. [Penguins.com]

Seth Rorabaugh chats with Bryan Rust about his shoot-first mentality and expectations for the coming season. As always, a great read. [Empty Netters]

The Pens were reluctant to give up on ever-promising, ever-injured Beau Bennett. The 2010 first-rounder is ready to prove himself, this time for real. Still, it's only a 1-year deal so the clock is ticking. [Penguins.com]

Also, newly-signed fifth-rounder Dominik Simon is ready to take the next step. He played for Marty Straka in Plzen and is now staying put in PA. [Penguins.com]

Dan Rosen explores David Perron's options at wing now that the Pens have acquired Phil Kessel. I don't really get it as they play on opposite sides, though. [NHL.com]

In a two-part series looking at the AHL goalies, Matt Murray's shot at the NHL is going to have to wait a little. [Part I - Mackey]

In the second installment, a look at how Tristan Jarry handles somewhat redefined expectations. [Part II - Bombulie]

Besides being underrated in pretty much every way possible, Marc-Andre Fleury seems to fly under the radar as a mentor for the young goalies in the Penguins organization. [Penguins Inside Scoop]

Tom Fitzgerald, Pens Assistant GM who monitors prospect development, talks about this week's development camp and what's coming next. Check it out. (Audio.) [Penguins.com]

Most of the good free agents have signed by now, and a look at who's still on the market. Hiya there, Christian Ehrhoff. Call us if your house hasn't sold and if you're willing to take a pay cut. [Grantland]

The 2015-16 Super Schedule is here. Our friends over at OTF have compiled a list of total travel miles and back-to-backs for each NHL team. Pens are at the bottom for distance traveled but at the top for back-to-backs. [On The Forecheck]

I can't believe the Red Wings would be stupid enough to flush $1.5M down the toilet ($600K of which would count against the cap) on an ill-advised and ill-something else guarantee to Dan Cleary. [Winging It In Motown]

Last, but not least, if you subscribed to NHL GameCenter Live or CenterIce packages, this is for you. An anti-trust class action lawsuit against the NHL and its broadcast partners was settled, and, as a result, out-of-market fans will have some better and cheaper options. [Laumann v. National Hockey League]