After Ray Shero was fired Friday, both owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle stated that the Pens needed to get younger, needed to draft better and needed to add grit and character. They do sorely need all of that. 13 of the Pens on this roster were over 30. Only 4 were 25 years old or younger (Maatta, Bennett, Sutter and Bortuzzo). Olli Maatta was 19 this season, the youngest kid in the room by quite a margin, especially if you exclude Beau Bennett (22).
All that being said, let's examine the forwards in the Pens system who could impact next year...
BEau Bennett
This was supposed to be a breakout year for the young California native. He was getting a chance to wing with Malkin and Neal on the 2nd line to start the season. But he never looked comfortable, and was quickly replaced with Jussi Jokinen. However, a wrist injury derailed his season starting in November, and when he did return at the end of March he still was not 100%. He admitted that he played the rest of the season and playoffs with significant damage to his wrist, enough to require surgery this week.
It will be interesting the plans moving forward for the young winger. You have to think he is Top 6 talent, and has shown flashes. But he doesn't seem to gel with Malkin or Crosby. I don't think we have seen all Bennett has to offer quite yet. I think the Pens need to either stick with him on a top line to see what he is truly made of before they make their decision on him, but I think he would benefit from playing with a line of youngsters moving forward as well.
Jayson Megna
This year however, Megna improved greatly. In 25 games for Wilkes-Barre this year he has posted 15 points (9-6) and was a plus-13. He was a very solid penalty killer and scored several short handers. He was called up and got significant time in Pittsburgh with the injuries this year, playing in 36 games. In those games, he scored 9 points (5-4) including 2 game-winners. He was very good in his time. He did not look out of place and meshed well with Malkin and Jokinen when Neal was out injured. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1st, but one the Pens should try very hard to hold on to him.
If Jussi Jokinen moves on and James Neal is possibly moved, Jayson Megna should be resigned and placed on Malkin's wing. He showed very good chemistry with the big Russian, and has the ability to create and finish. He deserves the chance, and could very easily become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.
Brian Gibbons
This year, Gibbons broke out. In 28 games in Wilkes-Barre, he scored 30 points (11-19) was a plus-9 and became one of the best penalty killers in the entire system. He was called up and scored in his first game with Pittsburgh. He played 41 games for the Pens this year, mostly after Pascal Dupuis went down with the knee injury. In those 41 games, he scored 17 points (5-12). More than that, he became one of the Pens best penalty killers, and even buried a few short handers. His speed created many chances for himself, his linemates Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz, and drew quite a few penalties leading to Pittsburgh power plays. His playoff performance was solid as well. He scored twice in Game 2 v. CBJ (including a short hander) before missing the next few games with an injury. He returned to the lineup and added some much needed energy during the Ranger series. He will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1st.
Say what you will, but the Pens NEED to resign Brian Gibbons. He will not play a Top 6 roll next year, but he needs to be on this team. He was the Pens best penalty killing forward. His speed created quite a few chances and drew even more penalties. He is an asset to this team. He would be perfect for a 3rd or 4th line roll and a penalty killing specialist. His scoring touch will get better with time, he just needs the minutes. The Pens would be smart to resign the young Boston native, he made a major difference this year and never looked overwhelmed.
Anton Zlobin
His first season in professional hockey has been pretty good as well. He played in 46 games for Wilkes-Barre this year, scoring 19 points (8-11) and was a plus-15. In the playoffs thus far in the AHL, he has scored 7 points (4-3) and averaged a point per game. He is in the first year of his entry level contract, so he will be in our system for 2 more years.
The Pens could sorely use some youth at wing. Actually, the Pens could just use some wingers, period! Zlobin fits the bill, young and a wing. This is only the first year in pro hockey for the young Russian, but he very well could be a steal in the 6th round if he continues to develop quickly. Like Megna, I could see him finding some chemistry with Geno on the 2nd line, but could be a dependable 3rd line winger as well going forward. Just keep an eye on this kid.