Surprises Among Penguins Placed on Waivers
The Pittsburgh Penguins placed five players on waivers ahead of official roster submission.
The roster slimming has continued for the Pittsburgh Penguins with the regular season just days away.
In preparation to announce the final opening night roster, the Penguins have placed four players on waivers.
Among the players is goalie Magnus Hellberg, new signee Colin White, defenseman Mark Friedman, and forwards Vinnie Hinostroza and Radim Zohorna.
Hellberg entered camp most likely to be slotted as the third goalie behind Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic.
The most likely scenario has began playing out for Hellberg with his placement on waivers and probable trip to start the season in the AHL.
White, on the other hand, entered Penguins camp on a professional tryout offer and impressed enough to earn a one-year contract.
Despite the fresh deal, the Penguins have a packed house with their depth forwards and just couldn’t find the room for White at the moment.
Friedman was one of the many defensemen battling for a spot as a third pairing defenseman with the Penguins.
With his placement on waivers, it seems Ryan Shea and Chad Ruhwedel have bee deemed the winners of the fight for the right side.
Hinostroza started Penguins camp with a chance on the first line playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust.
Everyone praised Hinostroza for his shooting ability and speed, but with Jake Guentzel likely playing in the first game of the season, the lineup is pretty full.
Again, the Penguins depth is loaded and there just isn’t room for another forward at the moment.
Zohorna might be a bit of a surprise considering how well he performed through all of camp and in the preseason.
From the very start of training camp, Zohorna looked ready to steal a spot in the roster, but likely lost to a last minute addition.
The Penguins claimed Jansen Harkins off of waivers and it seems like he will be the one slotting in to the opening night roster.
Each of these names have been placed on waivers and are likely going to start the season at the AHL level with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see each of them get time at the NHL level during the season.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
- Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins