Also, be on the lookout for a new blog post by the end of the week where I will discuss the future of Big Daves Pens Pregame for this season. That sounds ominous, but don't worry, I will still be posting as often as possible for the games, skates, practice and other shenanigans. That being said, I plan on doing it slightly differently from last year, so stay tuned to the blog post with the information.
Without further adieu, here is the Pens round up for the last few weeks...
Carcillo returns to the Pens
The known fighter is returning to the Penguins organization on a professional tryout contract; which will give him an invitation to training camp next week and a chance at landing a contract with the big club. Carcillo, 29, war originally drafted by the Penguins in the 3rd round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Baby Pens for several years (in fact, my first ever hockey game was a WBS Pens game where Carcillo got into a memorable fight and dropped his opponent with 2 punches). In 2008, he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in a deal that brought former enforcer Georges Laraque to Pittsburgh. He spent the next few seasons bouncing around with the Flyers, Rangers, Blackhawks and Kings.
There are no guarantees for Carcillo. Like Chuck Kobasew last season, Carcillo will have the chance to make the Pens if he has a solid training camp. He is a known enforcer with a reputation for laying out opposing players. He also has a track record, including several suspensions for illegal hits. The Pens wanted to get tougher after last season; they didn't want any more liberties taken against Crosby and Malkin. They went out and signed Steve Downie in July and now they bring in Carcillo. He is not a prolific scorer, only 44 goals in almost 400 games, but he will be counted on to protect the big guys from anything. Will Carcillo make the roster? I think he may, but I wouldn't expect a lot of playing time if he does.
Malone? Penner? Other Invites to Camp?
The first name that has been associated with a camp invitation is former Penguin winger Ryan Malone. The Pittsburgh native was bought out by the Lightning after several injury plagued seasons and an arrest for cocaine in the spring. There had been reports that the Penguins were interested in giving Malone a fresh start, going as far as owner Mario Lemieux trying to get the NHL to reinstate Malone after the drug issue. A fan favorite before he was traded in the summer of 2008, Malone would likely slot in on the bottom six, though he did have great chemistry with Evgeni Malkin before his departure. We will see in the coming days if the Pens will bring Malone back, but if they are going to, they will have to get on it. Reports state the Rangers are interested in the rugged winger and that Malone has been participating in informal skates with the them the last few days.
Another name still available is that of Dustin Penner. The two-time Stanley Cup winner split time last year between the Ducks and the Capitals. Penner has a winning pedigree and solid playoff numbers. To my knowledge, there have been no discussions with Penner from the Pens, but it is not a bad option.
If it came down to these two, I really like either of them. I think both would fit in well with the current team. If I had to choose between the two, I think I would go with Ryan Malone. I stated earlier in the summer I think he'd benefit from a return to the Pens and, more importantly, he has chemistry with the likes of Crosby and Malkin from the old days. I don't know if either will happen. I'd be content with both Penner and Malone, but if I had to choose I pick Malone.
Kapanen Injury: OUt for Rookie Tournament
It was stated that Kapanen will be ready for training camp come next week. It is possible that Kapanen could make the club out of camp and have an impact on the Malkin line or with Brandon Sutter on the 3rd. As far as I am concerned, if Kapanen makes the club, he has to play in the top six. If he isn't going to play there, let him stay in Finland another year to develop.
Check back for more updates on Kapanen when camp opens next week.
Rookie Tournament
Forwards: Josh Archibald, Jean-Sebastien Dea, Tom Kunhanckl, Christophe Lalancette, Matia Marcantuoni, Patrick McGrath, Adam Payerl, Bryan Rust, Conor Sheary, Oskar Sundqvist, Dominik Uher, Scott Wilson and Anton Zlobin.
Defensemen: Alex Boak, Nick D'Agostino, Brian Dumoulin, Scott Harrington, Reid McNeill, Harrison Ruopp and Clark Seymour.
Goalies: Tristan Jarry and Matt Murray.
A few players to watch are the following:
- Adam Payerl: possible that this rugged forward could make the team out of camp, watch to see how he plays.
- Oskar Sundqvist: A pick a few years ago, signed earlier in the spring. He has progressed well over the last few years and it is possible that he could be part of the Pens plans as early as next year.
- Brian Dumoulin: made his NHL debut last year, and will contend to be part of the defensive corps in camp.
- Tristan Jarry: Stated last summer after being taken in the 2nd round that he could come in and compete with Marc-Andre Fleury. I personally thought he was full of it, but he had a great year at Juniors and should make the jump to the pros this year. Will he contend with Fleury this year? Probably not.
The following is the game schedule for the Rookie Tournament:
- September 13: v. Ottawa at 2pm
- September 14: v. Chicago at 2pm
- September 16: v. Toronto at 2pm