The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired forward Riley Sheahan and a 2018 fifth-round draft pick from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Scott Wilson and a 2018 third-round draft pick, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford. Sheahan is signed through the 2017-18 season and he carries an average annual value of $2,075,000.
Sheahan, 25, has played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, notching 98 career regular-season points (38G-60A) in 292 contests. He was originally Detroit's first-round draft pick (21st overall) in 2010.
A 6-foot-3, 214-pound product of St. Catharines, Ontario, Sheahan collected 13 points (2G-11A) and had a career-high 50.6-percent faceoff success rate in 80 games with the Wings in 2016-17. The two years prior to last season, Sheahan had scored 14 and 13 goals, respectively.
Sheahan's best offensive season came in 2014-15 when he had 36 points on 13 goals and 23 assists in 79 games. He scored five of his goals on the power play that year. Sheahan has skated in 17 career NHL playoff games, netting two goals, two assists and four points.
Before making the full-time jump to the NHL, he played two-plus years with Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League, where he had 56 points (25G-31A) in 110 regular-season games. Sheahan helped Grand Rapids win the 2013 Calder Cup championship, producing 16 points (3G-13A) in 24 games. His 13 assists led all AHL rookies that spring.
Sheahan played three years collegiately at Notre Dame, scoring 20 goals, 44 assists and 64 points in 114 games. During his time there, he was teammates with Penguins forward Bryan Rust, and Ryan Guentzel, the older brother of Penguins forward Jake Guentzel.
There has been so much talk around the Penguins going back to the offseason about finding another center to play behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have become the UPMC of the NHL - that is the rehabilitation center for players' careers. Just look at some of the players that the team has acquired over the past three years that have rejuvenated their careers in a black and gold uniform.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled goaltender Casey DeSmith from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.Forward Carter Rowney has been placed on injured reserve.
A 6-foot-3, 214-pound product of St. Catharines, Ontario, Sheahan collected 13 points (2G-11A) and had a career-high 50.6-percent faceoff success rate in 80 games with the Wings in 2016-17. The two years prior to last season, Sheahan had scored 14 and 13 goals, respectively.
Sheahan's best offensive season came in 2014-15 when he had 36 points on 13 goals and 23 assists in 79 games. He scored five of his goals on the power play that year. Sheahan has skated in 17 career NHL playoff games, netting two goals, two assists and four points.
Before making the full-time jump to the NHL, he played two-plus years with Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League, where he had 56 points (25G-31A) in 110 regular-season games. Sheahan helped Grand Rapids win the 2013 Calder Cup championship, producing 16 points (3G-13A) in 24 games. His 13 assists led all AHL rookies that spring.
Sheahan played three years collegiately at Notre Dame, scoring 20 goals, 44 assists and 64 points in 114 games. During his time there, he was teammates with Penguins forward Bryan Rust, and Ryan Guentzel, the older brother of Penguins forward Jake Guentzel.
There has been so much talk around the Penguins going back to the offseason about finding another center to play behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford has said repeatedly that he wasn't in any hurry to fill that role. Partly because of the emergence of Greg McKegg, partly because of Carter Rowney's breakout last season and partly because Crosby and Malkin can carry the load, among other factors. But in the last 24 hours, a deal came together that Rutherford couldn't pass up.
At 6 p.m. on Saturday, the Pens announced that they had acquired forward Riley Sheahan and a 2018 fifth-round draft pick from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Scott Wilson and a 2018 third-round draft pick.
Rutherford had made a couple of offers for Sheahan in the offseason after July 1 had passed, but at the time, Detroit wasn't sure if they were going to move him. However, once they signed forward Andreas Anthanasiou to a one-year deal on Friday and needed to clear cap space, talks picked up.
"I feel a lot more comfortable now, that certainly if we had an injury ahead of us or something, that we've added an experienced NHL center," Rutherford said from the media room in Amalie Arena ahead of the Pens' matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Words that may prove to be prophetic, as Rowney left in the first period after blocking a shot and did not return.
What Rutherford likes the most about Sheahan as a player is his size and mobility.
"He's a heavy guy," Rutherford said of the 6-foot-3, 214-pound center. "He can play against other team's top guys, he can play certainly against the bigger, stronger guys. He's a strong skater, but down low, he can handle those bigger, stronger guys."
Just 25 years old, Sheahan has played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings after being the club's first-round draft pick (21st overall) in 2010.
While he's notched 98 career regular-season points (38G-60A) in 292 contests, Sheahan is coming off a year where he tallied just two goals in 82 regular-season games. However, Rutherford said he isn't concerned about that lack of production - especially because the two years prior to last season, Sheahan had scored 14 and 13 goals, respectively.
"He's dropped off the one year, but there's a good sample size there," Rutherford said. "He's still a young guy, he really should be coming into his prime. So he should be able to do it. He can play with good players here in the position he is going to play.
"I know he's a real good guy, he's a real good pro. I know he can strengthen our center-ice position. What his production is going to be, I can't predict that."
Rutherford also can't predict how the lineup will shake out, saying he is going to let the coaches decide how they're going to use Sheahan, McKegg and Rowney, who are all capable of playing wing. All that matters is that for now, the Pens are stronger at the center position.
What Rutherford does hope for is that Sheahan can take his game to another level here in Pittsburgh, just as players like Justin Schultz have been able to do before him.
"Players that have come to Pittsburgh are excited about playing in Pittsburgh," Rutherford said. "So that starts it, and our coaching staff is very good at working with these guys. And as long as guys want to work close with the coaching staff and listen to them and buy into what we're doing, then they have a chance to improve their game. It's been shown with the number of guys we've brought here. I really believe that's what's going to happen here with him."
Rutherford had made a couple of offers for Sheahan in the offseason after July 1 had passed, but at the time, Detroit wasn't sure if they were going to move him. However, once they signed forward Andreas Anthanasiou to a one-year deal on Friday and needed to clear cap space, talks picked up.
"I feel a lot more comfortable now, that certainly if we had an injury ahead of us or something, that we've added an experienced NHL center," Rutherford said from the media room in Amalie Arena ahead of the Pens' matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Words that may prove to be prophetic, as Rowney left in the first period after blocking a shot and did not return.
What Rutherford likes the most about Sheahan as a player is his size and mobility.
"He's a heavy guy," Rutherford said of the 6-foot-3, 214-pound center. "He can play against other team's top guys, he can play certainly against the bigger, stronger guys. He's a strong skater, but down low, he can handle those bigger, stronger guys."
Just 25 years old, Sheahan has played his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings after being the club's first-round draft pick (21st overall) in 2010.
While he's notched 98 career regular-season points (38G-60A) in 292 contests, Sheahan is coming off a year where he tallied just two goals in 82 regular-season games. However, Rutherford said he isn't concerned about that lack of production - especially because the two years prior to last season, Sheahan had scored 14 and 13 goals, respectively.
"He's dropped off the one year, but there's a good sample size there," Rutherford said. "He's still a young guy, he really should be coming into his prime. So he should be able to do it. He can play with good players here in the position he is going to play.
"I know he's a real good guy, he's a real good pro. I know he can strengthen our center-ice position. What his production is going to be, I can't predict that."
Rutherford also can't predict how the lineup will shake out, saying he is going to let the coaches decide how they're going to use Sheahan, McKegg and Rowney, who are all capable of playing wing. All that matters is that for now, the Pens are stronger at the center position.
What Rutherford does hope for is that Sheahan can take his game to another level here in Pittsburgh, just as players like Justin Schultz have been able to do before him.
"Players that have come to Pittsburgh are excited about playing in Pittsburgh," Rutherford said. "So that starts it, and our coaching staff is very good at working with these guys. And as long as guys want to work close with the coaching staff and listen to them and buy into what we're doing, then they have a chance to improve their game. It's been shown with the number of guys we've brought here. I really believe that's what's going to happen here with him."
The Pittsburgh Penguins have become the UPMC of the NHL - that is the rehabilitation center for players' careers. Just look at some of the players that the team has acquired over the past three years that have rejuvenated their careers in a black and gold uniform.
Phil Kessel was surrounded by bad press in Toronto, but came to Pittsburgh to become a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
Justin Schultz was a highly-touted free agent signing by Edmonton, but was a disappointment after three-plus seasons with the Oilers. He's transformed into one of Pittsburgh's best defensemen and a key contributor on their top power-play unit.
Carl Hagelin had a very successful run with the New York Rangers organization. But only notched four goals and 12 points in 43 games with Anaheim after a trade, and had lost his confidence. He became an integral part of Pittsburgh's speed game and penalty kill unit during the past three seasons.
Ian Cole went from the odd-man out in St. Louis and regular scratch to a consistent blueliner in the Pens' top-6, and a big reason they were able to win the Cup in 2017 without stalwart Kris Letang.
Center Riley Sheahan is hoping to add his name to the list of resurrections.
"To be able to turn guys' careers around like that gives you some confidence going in," said Sheahan, who was acquired by the Pens on Saturday night. "Sometimes things just don't work out in your previous organization. To be able to come to Pittsburgh and know they can revive guys like that gives you confidence."
Sheahan, 25, needed a change.
After playing the first four-plus seasons of his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, the team that drafted him 21st overall in the 2010 NHL Draft, both sides were ready to part ways.
"I think a change will help," he said. "Leaving behind a great organization and good teammates, but I'm definitely excited for a change of scenery and to get started with such an awesome organization."
Sheahan endured one of the most difficult years of his life during the 2016-17 season. Despite consistently putting up double digits in goals previously in his career, he went without a goal in the first 79 games of the regular-season before netting a pair of goals in the final game at Detroit's historic Joe Louis Arena.
But those struggles have only made him a stronger player.
"It was tough knowing that I've performed at this level and contributed on the scoresheet the past few years of my career," Sheahan said. "Not doing the same thing last year was a struggle. I was trying to contribute in different ways. Trying to play smart. Play a sound defensive game. It was tough.
"I've experienced the worst, I just have to build from there."
Sheahan was well aware of the trade rumors surrounding his name. And after the Red Wings signed Andreas Athanasiou to a multi-year contract, Sheahan knew his days in Detroit were running out.
"I had a feeling, even around training camp, the rumors were floating around," Sheahan said. "It wasn't a total surprise. It's been a crazy last day, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity."
Sheahan, who isn't concerned about his ability to keep up with the Pens' high-flying system, has a strong welcoming committee in Pittsburgh. He played collegiate hockey at Notre Dame with Bryan Rust and Cole. He trained in the summer in Plymouth, Michigan with Matt Hunwick. And even Sidney Crosby already texted him to welcome him to his new club. Having familiar faces around should help ease his transition.
"It's nice to be reunited with them," he said. "It's nice to be on a team where I know some guys going in. 'Sid' reached out to me as well saying if I need anything just reach out to him. It's nice connecting with some guys and breaking the ice a bit, knowing that a change of scenery will be good from a teammate standpoint."
Sheahan is also excited to work with the Penguins coaching staff, in particular defensive coach Sergei Gonchar.
"The last two years they've wont the Cup," Sheahan said. "They're doing something right."
Justin Schultz was a highly-touted free agent signing by Edmonton, but was a disappointment after three-plus seasons with the Oilers. He's transformed into one of Pittsburgh's best defensemen and a key contributor on their top power-play unit.
Carl Hagelin had a very successful run with the New York Rangers organization. But only notched four goals and 12 points in 43 games with Anaheim after a trade, and had lost his confidence. He became an integral part of Pittsburgh's speed game and penalty kill unit during the past three seasons.
Ian Cole went from the odd-man out in St. Louis and regular scratch to a consistent blueliner in the Pens' top-6, and a big reason they were able to win the Cup in 2017 without stalwart Kris Letang.
Center Riley Sheahan is hoping to add his name to the list of resurrections.
"To be able to turn guys' careers around like that gives you some confidence going in," said Sheahan, who was acquired by the Pens on Saturday night. "Sometimes things just don't work out in your previous organization. To be able to come to Pittsburgh and know they can revive guys like that gives you confidence."
Sheahan, 25, needed a change.
After playing the first four-plus seasons of his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, the team that drafted him 21st overall in the 2010 NHL Draft, both sides were ready to part ways.
"I think a change will help," he said. "Leaving behind a great organization and good teammates, but I'm definitely excited for a change of scenery and to get started with such an awesome organization."
Sheahan endured one of the most difficult years of his life during the 2016-17 season. Despite consistently putting up double digits in goals previously in his career, he went without a goal in the first 79 games of the regular-season before netting a pair of goals in the final game at Detroit's historic Joe Louis Arena.
But those struggles have only made him a stronger player.
"It was tough knowing that I've performed at this level and contributed on the scoresheet the past few years of my career," Sheahan said. "Not doing the same thing last year was a struggle. I was trying to contribute in different ways. Trying to play smart. Play a sound defensive game. It was tough.
"I've experienced the worst, I just have to build from there."
Sheahan was well aware of the trade rumors surrounding his name. And after the Red Wings signed Andreas Athanasiou to a multi-year contract, Sheahan knew his days in Detroit were running out.
"I had a feeling, even around training camp, the rumors were floating around," Sheahan said. "It wasn't a total surprise. It's been a crazy last day, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity."
Sheahan, who isn't concerned about his ability to keep up with the Pens' high-flying system, has a strong welcoming committee in Pittsburgh. He played collegiate hockey at Notre Dame with Bryan Rust and Cole. He trained in the summer in Plymouth, Michigan with Matt Hunwick. And even Sidney Crosby already texted him to welcome him to his new club. Having familiar faces around should help ease his transition.
"It's nice to be reunited with them," he said. "It's nice to be on a team where I know some guys going in. 'Sid' reached out to me as well saying if I need anything just reach out to him. It's nice connecting with some guys and breaking the ice a bit, knowing that a change of scenery will be good from a teammate standpoint."
Sheahan is also excited to work with the Penguins coaching staff, in particular defensive coach Sergei Gonchar.
"The last two years they've wont the Cup," Sheahan said. "They're doing something right."
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled goaltender Casey DeSmith from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.Forward Carter Rowney has been placed on injured reserve.
DeSmith, 26, is joining an NHL roster for the first time in his career. He has made three starts for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, posting a 3-0 record to accompany his 0.98 goals-against average, .965 save percentage and one shutout. DeSmith ranks second in the AHL in goal-against average and third in save percentage.
Last season, the 6-foot, 181-pound netminder was selected to the AHL's All-Rookie Team after going 21-5-3 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .926 save percentage in 29 games. His goals-against average led the entire AHL.
The WBS Penguins not only posted the best regular-season record in the AHL last year, but DeSmith and goaltending partner Tristan Jarry combined to record the lowest goals-against average in the league, earning the duo the Harry "Hap" Holmes Award.
DeSmith, a native of Rochester, New Hampshire, is in his third professional season. Thus far he has amassed an overall AHL regular-season record of 26-7-3 with a 1.92 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and two shutouts. He has a 7-7 career playoff record in 14 postseason starts for WBS.
DeSmith originally broke into the professional ranks with the Wheeling Nailers in 2015-16, and played the last two seasons on minor-league deals. He signed his first NHL contract on July 1, 2017.
Prior to signing with Wheeling, DeSmith spent three seasons playing collegiately at New Hamphire, where he was 48-36-8 with a 2.32 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and nine shutouts. As a freshman, he was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, and he was a Hockey East Honorable Mention All-Star selection as a sophomore.
High profile back-up Antti Niemi has been placed on waivers following some disappointing performances since signing over the summer.
Last season, the 6-foot, 181-pound netminder was selected to the AHL's All-Rookie Team after going 21-5-3 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .926 save percentage in 29 games. His goals-against average led the entire AHL.
The WBS Penguins not only posted the best regular-season record in the AHL last year, but DeSmith and goaltending partner Tristan Jarry combined to record the lowest goals-against average in the league, earning the duo the Harry "Hap" Holmes Award.
DeSmith, a native of Rochester, New Hampshire, is in his third professional season. Thus far he has amassed an overall AHL regular-season record of 26-7-3 with a 1.92 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and two shutouts. He has a 7-7 career playoff record in 14 postseason starts for WBS.
DeSmith originally broke into the professional ranks with the Wheeling Nailers in 2015-16, and played the last two seasons on minor-league deals. He signed his first NHL contract on July 1, 2017.
Prior to signing with Wheeling, DeSmith spent three seasons playing collegiately at New Hamphire, where he was 48-36-8 with a 2.32 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and nine shutouts. As a freshman, he was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, and he was a Hockey East Honorable Mention All-Star selection as a sophomore.
High profile back-up Antti Niemi has been placed on waivers following some disappointing performances since signing over the summer.
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