Multiple Penguins’ Last Chance at First Impression
Who will separate themselves to earn one of the few remaining Pittsburgh Penguins roster spots?
Pittsburgh Penguins training camp has reached its final stage. What started as one of the most competitive camps in recent history has whittled down to one preseason game, with only a few players left vying for open roster spots.
A handful of roster moves yesterday clarified where a few of the Penguins' position battles currently stand. The Penguins assigned six players to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, and three others were placed on waivers.
A quick look at the Penguins' updated training camp roster will show that five forwards are seemingly vying for two remaining roster spots. Meanwhile, four defensemen are battling for the third-pairing position to the right of P.O. Joseph and the seventh defenseman position.
Many players will get one last chance to prove themselves in the Penguins' preseason finale against the Buffalo Sabres.
On the forward side, Radim Zohorna has been a training camp standout for the second straight year and has played many positions throughout the past two weeks. Zohorna's size makes him a good candidate for the Penguins' penalty kill, while his skating and shot should keep him in the middle-six mix.
Similarly, a late addition to the competition, Jansen Harkins, immediately stood out in his first few days with the organization. Penguins' head coach Mike Sullivan lauded Harkins for his physicality and skating ability. Harkins and Zohorna need to pass through waivers if the Penguins elect to send either to the AHL.
Colin White, signed to a Professional Tryout contract (PTO), will look to supplant them on the Penguins opening night roster. White has been a steady performer throughout the preseason, and while he hasn't created many highlight moments, he has brought a steady forechecking presence to the bottom-six.
The Penguins also have Austin Wagner (also signed to a PTO) and Vinnie Hinostroza on the camp roster, but they will not be in the lineup tonight.
Four defensemen remain on the bubble for the Penguins roster, but Chad Ruhwedel and Ryan Shea could get an opportunity to play this evening. Meanwhile, Mark Friedman and Libor Hajek (PTO) await their fate.
The Penguins opening night roster is coming into focus, but they have a few more decisions left to be made.
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