The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forward Tom Sestito to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.
The Penguins have 25 players remaining in camp (15 forwards; 8 defensemen; 2 goalies). The Penguins play their final exhibition game tomorrow afternoon when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets at 4:00 PM at PPG Paints Arena. It's the Penguins' seventh annual "Free Game for Kids." All 18,000 tickets have already been distributed to young people of the region, as well as parents of younger children and chaperones for youth hockey teams and other kids' groups.
Saturday's game against Columbus will be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet with Steve Mears, Bob Errey and Dan Potash on the call. Fans can also listen on 105.9 The X, where Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange makes his season debut alongside Phil Bourque. Please note that the 4:00 PM starting time on Saturday afternoon is a time change from the original 3:00 PM puck drop. The Penguins-Blue Jackets game was moved to 4:00 PM to accommodate the Pitt football game earlier that afternoon.
Saturday's game against Columbus will be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet with Steve Mears, Bob Errey and Dan Potash on the call. Fans can also listen on 105.9 The X, where Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange makes his season debut alongside Phil Bourque. Please note that the 4:00 PM starting time on Saturday afternoon is a time change from the original 3:00 PM puck drop. The Penguins-Blue Jackets game was moved to 4:00 PM to accommodate the Pitt football game earlier that afternoon.
With their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, the Pittsburgh Penguins have dealt with the shortest offseasons of any NHL team in the past two years. The shorter summer caused by a deep playoff run has an impact on training, recovery, and the much-needed aspect of rest after a long season.
No one knows the tribulations of a short summer more than Carl Hagelin, who has played in 39 playoff games with the Penguins the past two years, while his 112 postseason contests in his career are the most among any NHLer since he came into the league in 2011-12.
"My body feels the best when there is a good amount of workload," Hagelin said. "I'm an energetic guy and I need to stay on top of things, make sure I'm eating the right things, and training the right way. I pride myself on being in good condition coming into camp."
Last year Hagelin finished with six goals and 16 assists in 61 games, his first full season with the Penguins. Despite being a healthy scratch on occasion during the championship run once he recovered from a broken fibula suffered on March 10 that forced him to miss the end of the regular season and part of the playoffs, Hagelin ended up dressing for postseason contests and scored two goals, including the empty-netter in Pittsburgh's Cup-clinching Game 6 win.
"I try not to dwell on the past at all, we won the Cup," Hagelin said. "I'm just happy my leg is back healed the way it should be. That's my take on last year. I played the last four games and it felt good, and now my leg is feeling fine."
Hagelin did miss some time due to injuries last year as well, and is feeling good and recovered as the preseason schedule begins to wind down.
"This summer I felt pretty fresh, in terms of physically and mentally," Hagelin said. "Right when the playoffs ended, I was feeling good and able to do the things I wanted to do. It was a good summer, I got a lot of energy from it and I'm excited for a new season here."
Coming into camp fresh, it's been evident through skating drills, just how much Hagelin's quickness is unrivaled. He's frequently almost a full zone ahead on conditioning drills with his mesmerizing speed, the biggest asset to his game. In the 2012 Skills Competition, Hagelin won the fastest skater event.
His speed can create chances and keeps the opposing team's defenseman on their toes, while his two-way ability allows him to be an effective penalty killer.
"He's been one of our core penalty killers since he got here," head coach Mike Sullivan said.
This year, he's spent some of the preseason on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel, where his speed is on display by tracking down pucks and creating space for Malkin and Kessel.
"Hagelin is a smart player, he reads the game well," Kessel said. "He flies out there, he's fast. When you're playing with someone with so much speed, they create a lot of opportunities because they're always in the opponents face and don't give them a lot of time."
While that line is something that is likely to be played around with, according to Sullivan, he also is complimentary to what Hagelin brings to whichever line he plays on.
"What I like about Hagelin is he brings that same game regardless of who he plays with," Sullivan said. "He brings that element of speed, puck pursuit, forces turnovers, and is a responsible player. He's a really good two-way player that brings a defensive conscious to any line he plays on."
Last year Hagelin finished with six goals and 16 assists in 61 games, his first full season with the Penguins. Despite being a healthy scratch on occasion during the championship run once he recovered from a broken fibula suffered on March 10 that forced him to miss the end of the regular season and part of the playoffs, Hagelin ended up dressing for postseason contests and scored two goals, including the empty-netter in Pittsburgh's Cup-clinching Game 6 win.
"I try not to dwell on the past at all, we won the Cup," Hagelin said. "I'm just happy my leg is back healed the way it should be. That's my take on last year. I played the last four games and it felt good, and now my leg is feeling fine."
Hagelin did miss some time due to injuries last year as well, and is feeling good and recovered as the preseason schedule begins to wind down.
"This summer I felt pretty fresh, in terms of physically and mentally," Hagelin said. "Right when the playoffs ended, I was feeling good and able to do the things I wanted to do. It was a good summer, I got a lot of energy from it and I'm excited for a new season here."
Coming into camp fresh, it's been evident through skating drills, just how much Hagelin's quickness is unrivaled. He's frequently almost a full zone ahead on conditioning drills with his mesmerizing speed, the biggest asset to his game. In the 2012 Skills Competition, Hagelin won the fastest skater event.
His speed can create chances and keeps the opposing team's defenseman on their toes, while his two-way ability allows him to be an effective penalty killer.
"He's been one of our core penalty killers since he got here," head coach Mike Sullivan said.
This year, he's spent some of the preseason on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel, where his speed is on display by tracking down pucks and creating space for Malkin and Kessel.
"Hagelin is a smart player, he reads the game well," Kessel said. "He flies out there, he's fast. When you're playing with someone with so much speed, they create a lot of opportunities because they're always in the opponents face and don't give them a lot of time."
While that line is something that is likely to be played around with, according to Sullivan, he also is complimentary to what Hagelin brings to whichever line he plays on.
"What I like about Hagelin is he brings that same game regardless of who he plays with," Sullivan said. "He brings that element of speed, puck pursuit, forces turnovers, and is a responsible player. He's a really good two-way player that brings a defensive conscious to any line he plays on."
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed undrafted free agent forward Sam Miletic to a three-year, entry-level contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.
Miletic, 20, has played in two NHL preseason games with the Penguins this year, scoring the opening goal in Pittsburgh's win in Columbus on September 22. He also played in all three Prospect Challenge contests in Buffalo in early September, tallying two points (1G-1A) in the opening game against Boston. Miletic also skated in Pittsburgh's prospect development camp in July.
Last year, the 6-foot, 196-pound Miletic led the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League with 37 goals in 65 games, a total that ranked 12th in the OHL. He had 55 points (37G-18A) overall on the season, which ranked him fifth on the club.
A native of Bloomfield Township, Michigan, Miletic has spent the past two seasons with the Knights, skating in 100 regular-season games, compiling 40 goals, 29 assists and 69 points. Before joining London, Miletic played the 2014-15 season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, scoring 12 goals and 27 points in 58 games.
Miletic is the third undrafted free agent signed by the Penguins in training camp, joining goaltender Alex D'Orio and forward Jordy Bellerive, both of whom also participated in development camp, the Prospects Challenge and NHL training camp before returning to their junior clubs.
Last year, the 6-foot, 196-pound Miletic led the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League with 37 goals in 65 games, a total that ranked 12th in the OHL. He had 55 points (37G-18A) overall on the season, which ranked him fifth on the club.
A native of Bloomfield Township, Michigan, Miletic has spent the past two seasons with the Knights, skating in 100 regular-season games, compiling 40 goals, 29 assists and 69 points. Before joining London, Miletic played the 2014-15 season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, scoring 12 goals and 27 points in 58 games.
Miletic is the third undrafted free agent signed by the Penguins in training camp, joining goaltender Alex D'Orio and forward Jordy Bellerive, both of whom also participated in development camp, the Prospects Challenge and NHL training camp before returning to their junior clubs.
The Pittsburgh Penguins respect the institution of the Office of the President, and the long tradition of championship teams visiting the White House. We attended White House ceremonies after previous championships - touring the historic building and visiting briefly with Presidents George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama - and have accepted an invitation to attend again this year.Any agreement or disagreement with a president's politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways. However, we very much respect the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit.
In the NHL, July 1 is usually filled with big signings from teams as general managers jump at the first chance to add valuable assets to their organization and gear up for next season. For every game-breaking free agent acquisition, there are also a bunch of smaller ones used to add depth to teams.
Greg McKegg was one of those deals for the Penguins that day, as they inked the 25-year-old to a one-year, two-way deal worth $650,000.
"Their reputation speaks for itself," McKegg said. "The back-to-back Cups and the winning culture they have here, it's been a good experience so far and a learning process."
While the signing may not have made a big splash at the time, McKegg is certainly garnering attention now with his impressive performance at training camp.
While the competition for the third-line center role has been well documented - with a handful of viable candidates in Carter Rowney, Teddy Blueger, Adam Johnson, and Jay McClement in the mix for the position - McKegg is another worthwhile name under consideration.
He's played well so far in the preseason, skating in all three of Pittsburgh's exhibition games to this point. And not only did McKegg score a goal against Detroit on Wednesday - he's stood out with his speed, tenacity and faceoff ability.
McKegg's NHL experience can only help his chance, as the center has appeared in 65 games over parts of four seasons. Head coach Mike Sullivan has liked what he's seen so far from McKegg, who played the most out of any Penguins forward on Friday against Columbus, registering 21:46 minutes of ice time.
"We've seen a lot from him, he's been very impressive," Sullivan said. "One of the reasons his minutes climbed is because we're using him in a lot of situations. We've used him on power play, we've used him on the penalty kill, and we've put him with different people. He can skate, he's got a maturity to his game, and he has some NHL experience. We've really liked what we've seen at this point, but it's still the middle of training camp so we need to keep watching and we'll evaluate as we go."
McKegg's ability to bring a versatile game could be a big deciding factor in whether McKegg starts the season in Pittsburgh or in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The 6-foot, 192-pound pivot possesses good offensive instincts and standout speed. While he isn't the most physical, he doesn't shy away from contact either. He hopes to bring all of that to the Penguins this season.
"My overall game, I think the last few years I was just trying to round out my game. I know I can bring a speed factor and hopefully contribute any way I can," McKegg said.
McKegg was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. While he mostly starred with the Marlies, Toronto's AHL affiliate, he did partake in four NHL games with the big club over two seasons.
The majority of his NHL experience came last year, as he skated in a combined 46 games with Florida and Tampa Bay. He ended up playing two games in Pittsburgh last season, one with the Panthers and one with the Lightning. The atmosphere in the arena has McKegg excited to have the chance to make playing at PPG Paints Arena a much more common occurrence.
"I remember the building being really loud and right on top of you," McKegg said. "It was a lot of fun to play. You knew right from the get-go it was going to be a great atmosphere and it definitely lived up to that."
While the signing may not have made a big splash at the time, McKegg is certainly garnering attention now with his impressive performance at training camp.
While the competition for the third-line center role has been well documented - with a handful of viable candidates in Carter Rowney, Teddy Blueger, Adam Johnson, and Jay McClement in the mix for the position - McKegg is another worthwhile name under consideration.
He's played well so far in the preseason, skating in all three of Pittsburgh's exhibition games to this point. And not only did McKegg score a goal against Detroit on Wednesday - he's stood out with his speed, tenacity and faceoff ability.
McKegg's NHL experience can only help his chance, as the center has appeared in 65 games over parts of four seasons. Head coach Mike Sullivan has liked what he's seen so far from McKegg, who played the most out of any Penguins forward on Friday against Columbus, registering 21:46 minutes of ice time.
"We've seen a lot from him, he's been very impressive," Sullivan said. "One of the reasons his minutes climbed is because we're using him in a lot of situations. We've used him on power play, we've used him on the penalty kill, and we've put him with different people. He can skate, he's got a maturity to his game, and he has some NHL experience. We've really liked what we've seen at this point, but it's still the middle of training camp so we need to keep watching and we'll evaluate as we go."
McKegg's ability to bring a versatile game could be a big deciding factor in whether McKegg starts the season in Pittsburgh or in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The 6-foot, 192-pound pivot possesses good offensive instincts and standout speed. While he isn't the most physical, he doesn't shy away from contact either. He hopes to bring all of that to the Penguins this season.
"My overall game, I think the last few years I was just trying to round out my game. I know I can bring a speed factor and hopefully contribute any way I can," McKegg said.
McKegg was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. While he mostly starred with the Marlies, Toronto's AHL affiliate, he did partake in four NHL games with the big club over two seasons.
The majority of his NHL experience came last year, as he skated in a combined 46 games with Florida and Tampa Bay. He ended up playing two games in Pittsburgh last season, one with the Panthers and one with the Lightning. The atmosphere in the arena has McKegg excited to have the chance to make playing at PPG Paints Arena a much more common occurrence.
"I remember the building being really loud and right on top of you," McKegg said. "It was a lot of fun to play. You knew right from the get-go it was going to be a great atmosphere and it definitely lived up to that."
With Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Carter Rowney in the fold, Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford continues his search to acquire a third-line center for his team, which he has narrowed down to three potential players.
However, Rutherford isn't going to panic and make a bad deal just to get a center. And so the Pens' GM is prepared to begin the season without making any moves. Therefore, the Pens would have to find someone from within to fill that void.
However, Rutherford isn't going to panic and make a bad deal just to get a center. And so the Pens' GM is prepared to begin the season without making any moves. Therefore, the Pens would have to find someone from within to fill that void.
Here are some in-house contenders for that position…
TEDDY BLUEGER
The Pens brass loves Blueger. They loved him when they selected him in the second-round (52nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft. And they love him now that he's gone through several years of developing at the college and American Hockey League level.
The Latvian-born pivot played four years at Minnesota State-Mankato, winning back-to-back WCHA championships in 2014 and' 15. The 23-year-old played his first season of pro hockey with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2016-17. Blueger was arguably the Pens' best overall player at last weekend's Prospects Challenge.
Blueger isn't the fastest skater, though he did work on improving his speed this summer, but he has a high hockey IQ and is very responsible in his own zone. Blueger has a knack for reading plays and being in the right position.
"I just want to show that I'm reliable defensively," Blueger said. "The biggest thing is to defend well and take care of our own end. Offensively, when opportunity presents itself, make plays like I know I can. Try to build off of that rookie tournament."
ADAM JOHNSON
The Pens think very highly of Johnson and his potential. The team coveted the late bloomer following his spectacular sophomore season at Minnesota-Duluth, where he posted 18 goals and 37 points while leading the Bulldogs to the NCAA Championship Game. The Pens invited him to attend their annual Prospect Development Camp in the summer and shortly after signed him to a contract.
Johnson, 23, will have to adjust to the game at the pro level, dealing with speed and skill that he's never seen before. But his biggest asset is his foot speed. At last weekend's Prospects Challenge, he was skating circles around the competition. That speed will help him compensate for mistakes and ease the learning curve.
Johnson certainly has areas of his game in which he needs to improve, mostly face-offs. He was a lifelong winger until last season when he made the switch to center.
"I'm just trying to play my best and hope that's good enough to fill that spot," Johnson said. "All around I have a solid game. There are a couple areas I need to work on. I think I can fill the role if need be."
GREG MCKEGG
McKegg has a decent amount of experience in pro hockey having played 65 games in the NHL and 244 in the AHL. He is still fairly young at just 25 years old.
McKegg has shown a knack for scoring goals throughout his career. He's recorded seasons with 22 and 19 goals in two partial seasons in the AHL with Toronto. He also notched 49 and 37 while playing junior hockey with Erie of the OHL.
"You just try to show them what you've got and help the team anyway you can," McKegg said. "It's nice having some (NHL experience) the last couple of years. It can only help you. There are a ton of good players here and they're hungry and looking to impress."
JAY MCCLEMENT
One wild card possibility is veteran center Jay McClement. The 34-year-old is in camp on a professional tryout contract. So he's not just fighting for a job as third-line center, he's fighting for a contract period.
McClement has played 13 seasons in the NHL with St. Louis, Colorado, Toronto and Carolina. He's a durable player that is good in the face-off circle and can kill penalties. Though he doesn't chip in a lot offensively, McClement is solid in his own zone.
"It's all about opportunity. That's all you can ask for when you're on a PTO, is an opportunity to show your stuff, and hopefully things work out," McClement said.
TEDDY BLUEGER
The Pens brass loves Blueger. They loved him when they selected him in the second-round (52nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft. And they love him now that he's gone through several years of developing at the college and American Hockey League level.
The Latvian-born pivot played four years at Minnesota State-Mankato, winning back-to-back WCHA championships in 2014 and' 15. The 23-year-old played his first season of pro hockey with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2016-17. Blueger was arguably the Pens' best overall player at last weekend's Prospects Challenge.
Blueger isn't the fastest skater, though he did work on improving his speed this summer, but he has a high hockey IQ and is very responsible in his own zone. Blueger has a knack for reading plays and being in the right position.
"I just want to show that I'm reliable defensively," Blueger said. "The biggest thing is to defend well and take care of our own end. Offensively, when opportunity presents itself, make plays like I know I can. Try to build off of that rookie tournament."
ADAM JOHNSON
The Pens think very highly of Johnson and his potential. The team coveted the late bloomer following his spectacular sophomore season at Minnesota-Duluth, where he posted 18 goals and 37 points while leading the Bulldogs to the NCAA Championship Game. The Pens invited him to attend their annual Prospect Development Camp in the summer and shortly after signed him to a contract.
Johnson, 23, will have to adjust to the game at the pro level, dealing with speed and skill that he's never seen before. But his biggest asset is his foot speed. At last weekend's Prospects Challenge, he was skating circles around the competition. That speed will help him compensate for mistakes and ease the learning curve.
Johnson certainly has areas of his game in which he needs to improve, mostly face-offs. He was a lifelong winger until last season when he made the switch to center.
"I'm just trying to play my best and hope that's good enough to fill that spot," Johnson said. "All around I have a solid game. There are a couple areas I need to work on. I think I can fill the role if need be."
GREG MCKEGG
McKegg has a decent amount of experience in pro hockey having played 65 games in the NHL and 244 in the AHL. He is still fairly young at just 25 years old.
McKegg has shown a knack for scoring goals throughout his career. He's recorded seasons with 22 and 19 goals in two partial seasons in the AHL with Toronto. He also notched 49 and 37 while playing junior hockey with Erie of the OHL.
"You just try to show them what you've got and help the team anyway you can," McKegg said. "It's nice having some (NHL experience) the last couple of years. It can only help you. There are a ton of good players here and they're hungry and looking to impress."
JAY MCCLEMENT
One wild card possibility is veteran center Jay McClement. The 34-year-old is in camp on a professional tryout contract. So he's not just fighting for a job as third-line center, he's fighting for a contract period.
McClement has played 13 seasons in the NHL with St. Louis, Colorado, Toronto and Carolina. He's a durable player that is good in the face-off circle and can kill penalties. Though he doesn't chip in a lot offensively, McClement is solid in his own zone.
"It's all about opportunity. That's all you can ask for when you're on a PTO, is an opportunity to show your stuff, and hopefully things work out," McClement said.
It's been a constant focus in Pittsburgh this summer, the quest to find a third-line center with the loss of Nick Bonino. That situation was magnified once Matt Cullen joined the Minnesota Wild, commencing questions about the depth behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin down the middle.
One name that you can throw into the ring is center Jay McClement, an NHL veteran of 906 games who is currently in training camp on a professional tryout.
One name that you can throw into the ring is center Jay McClement, an NHL veteran of 906 games who is currently in training camp on a professional tryout.
McClement, 34, accepted his PTO on August 25 after discussions between his agent and general manager Jim Rutherford ramped up with the departure of Matt Cullen, who signed with Minnesota.
"Once (Cullen) decided to go to Minnesota, it started up," McClement said. "They wanted to invite me in and see what I can do."
What McClement can do is provide a reliable force on the penalty kill, while also being counted upon in the dot.
While Rutherford's tenure with the Hurricanes didn't overlap with McClement's, who spent the last three seasons in Carolina, he obviously thought highly enough of the veteran to bring him aboard and give him an opportunity to earn a roster spot.
"It's all about opportunity. That's all you can ask for when you're on a PTO, is an opportunity to show your stuff, and hopefully things work out," McClement said. "Killing penalties and faceoffs are two things I definitely take a lot of pride in, but I'm just trying to make sure I do the little things. Things I've done my whole career, be responsible defensively, be strong on the puck in all situations."
Since 2014-15, the Hurricanes penalty kill operated at 84.4 percent, tied for second in the NHL despite middling production in their crease. McClement was a strong component of their success when down a man, as his 447:42 minutes of shorthanded time on ice ranked 20th in the NHL over that three-year span.
McClement has the third-most shorthanded face-off wins among active players since his first full season, in 2006. The Kingston, Ontario native has a career percentage of 51.9, but since 2013 is operating at a 53.7 mark.
He's also durable, playing 80 or more games in eight of the last 10 years, excluding the lockout-abbreviated season in 2012, when he appeared in all 48 games with Toronto.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound pivot has also been a strong locker room presence with a leadership role, holding alternate captain duties in his two seasons in Colorado, two seasons in Toronto, and first season with the Hurricanes.
McClement also spent time in St. Louis, six seasons, after the Blues drafted him in the second round (57th overall) of the 2001 NHL Draft. He has 90 goals and 154 assists in 906 games, with hopes that he can have a good training camp, earning a contract in the process and add to that total.
"I'm just trying to make sure I play my game, and try to get noticed with the little things I'm doing out there." McClement said. "Try to do that every day and see what happens."
"Once (Cullen) decided to go to Minnesota, it started up," McClement said. "They wanted to invite me in and see what I can do."
What McClement can do is provide a reliable force on the penalty kill, while also being counted upon in the dot.
While Rutherford's tenure with the Hurricanes didn't overlap with McClement's, who spent the last three seasons in Carolina, he obviously thought highly enough of the veteran to bring him aboard and give him an opportunity to earn a roster spot.
"It's all about opportunity. That's all you can ask for when you're on a PTO, is an opportunity to show your stuff, and hopefully things work out," McClement said. "Killing penalties and faceoffs are two things I definitely take a lot of pride in, but I'm just trying to make sure I do the little things. Things I've done my whole career, be responsible defensively, be strong on the puck in all situations."
Since 2014-15, the Hurricanes penalty kill operated at 84.4 percent, tied for second in the NHL despite middling production in their crease. McClement was a strong component of their success when down a man, as his 447:42 minutes of shorthanded time on ice ranked 20th in the NHL over that three-year span.
McClement has the third-most shorthanded face-off wins among active players since his first full season, in 2006. The Kingston, Ontario native has a career percentage of 51.9, but since 2013 is operating at a 53.7 mark.
He's also durable, playing 80 or more games in eight of the last 10 years, excluding the lockout-abbreviated season in 2012, when he appeared in all 48 games with Toronto.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound pivot has also been a strong locker room presence with a leadership role, holding alternate captain duties in his two seasons in Colorado, two seasons in Toronto, and first season with the Hurricanes.
McClement also spent time in St. Louis, six seasons, after the Blues drafted him in the second round (57th overall) of the 2001 NHL Draft. He has 90 goals and 154 assists in 906 games, with hopes that he can have a good training camp, earning a contract in the process and add to that total.
"I'm just trying to make sure I play my game, and try to get noticed with the little things I'm doing out there." McClement said. "Try to do that every day and see what happens."
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed undrafted free agent forward Jordy Bellerive to a three-year, entry-level contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.
Bellerive, 18, led the Penguins at the 2017 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, New York, with seven points (4G-3A) in the three games. He led the team with multiple points every game and scored a hat trick against the New Jersey Devils. He also participated in the Penguins' prospect development camp in July.
The 5-foot 10, 194-pound native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, put up a combined 92 points (38G-54A) in two seasons with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League, including 27 goals in 2016-17. Bellerive contributed 14 points (7G-7A) in 20 games during Lethbridge's run to the 2017 WHL championship.
Last season, Bellerive skated in four contests with Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Bellerive also served as Team Canada-Red's alternate captain at the 2015 Under-17 World Championships, notching four points (2G-2A) in six games.
This season, Bellerive, who was chosen with the second overall selection in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, will serve as an alternate captain with Lethbridge.
The 5-foot 10, 194-pound native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, put up a combined 92 points (38G-54A) in two seasons with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League, including 27 goals in 2016-17. Bellerive contributed 14 points (7G-7A) in 20 games during Lethbridge's run to the 2017 WHL championship.
Last season, Bellerive skated in four contests with Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Bellerive also served as Team Canada-Red's alternate captain at the 2015 Under-17 World Championships, notching four points (2G-2A) in six games.
This season, Bellerive, who was chosen with the second overall selection in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, will serve as an alternate captain with Lethbridge.
The Penguins' search for a third-line center has been narrowed down to three possible players. And general manager Jim Rutherford anticipates one of those players will become available at some point.
"We have our focus on three guys right now. I think one or two of those guys will become available, maybe before the season starts, but maybe not," Rutherford said.
Rutherford isn't in a hurry to fill that third-line center role and is being patient in his pursuit. There are two big reasons that Rutherford isn't concerned opening the season without making a move: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
"That's why I don't have to be pressured to have one for opening night when you have those two centers," Rutherford said. "They carry the load."
Carter Rowney made the jump to the NHL last season and became a staple on the team's fourth line. Though he played mostly on the wing, his natural position is center and Rutherford expressed confidence in his abilities.
"There's obviously a spot open, but you have to compete for it," Rowney said. "There are a lot of players at this camp that are capable of having that spot."
Rutherford was also impressed by the showing of some of the team's prospects at last weekend's Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.
"There are guys that can play in that third-line center role," Rutherford said. "I'm not suggesting that they'll be there all year. But I'm confident that if we're starting the year with the guys that we have, we're OK."
All this being said, the conversation focused mostly on the Penguins staying healthy, something that is never a given in the NHL. The dynamic could change quickly should something befall one of the team's current centers. In that situation, there is one player on the current roster that could rotate from wing to center.
That would be Jake Guentzel, the team's rookie sensation from last season. Guentzel has played center and wing at various times throughout his career, though he's been exclusively on wing in the NHL.
"I've played (center) before and I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Wherever they put me, I'm happy to be here," Guentzel said. "Right now I'm more comfortable at wing, but it just takes a couple of reps at center I could get back into it, working on faceoffs. It's a little bit of everything that you have to work on."
Rutherford made it clear that the Pens would prefer to develop Guentzel as a consistent sidecar to Sidney Crosby. The duo was a formidable pair during the stretch run and postseason last year.
"That's an option, but we prefer Jake to play the wing and continue building on what he and Sid did last year," Rutherford said. "If it's short-term it's OK, but it mixes up what we're trying to do with our lines. The good thing about that is, there is an option. There is a guy that can move to that position."
In the meantime, Rutherford will wait for the right deal and the right time.
"I believe you have to have the right fit, the right guy to go into that position," Rutherford said. "There are guys out there that we've talked about. We probably could have made a deal by now."
After answering the seventh question by the media regarding a third-line center, Rutherford added with a smile: "I'm not as anxious as you guys are to fill that role."
Rutherford isn't in a hurry to fill that third-line center role and is being patient in his pursuit. There are two big reasons that Rutherford isn't concerned opening the season without making a move: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
"That's why I don't have to be pressured to have one for opening night when you have those two centers," Rutherford said. "They carry the load."
Carter Rowney made the jump to the NHL last season and became a staple on the team's fourth line. Though he played mostly on the wing, his natural position is center and Rutherford expressed confidence in his abilities.
"There's obviously a spot open, but you have to compete for it," Rowney said. "There are a lot of players at this camp that are capable of having that spot."
Rutherford was also impressed by the showing of some of the team's prospects at last weekend's Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.
"There are guys that can play in that third-line center role," Rutherford said. "I'm not suggesting that they'll be there all year. But I'm confident that if we're starting the year with the guys that we have, we're OK."
All this being said, the conversation focused mostly on the Penguins staying healthy, something that is never a given in the NHL. The dynamic could change quickly should something befall one of the team's current centers. In that situation, there is one player on the current roster that could rotate from wing to center.
That would be Jake Guentzel, the team's rookie sensation from last season. Guentzel has played center and wing at various times throughout his career, though he's been exclusively on wing in the NHL.
"I've played (center) before and I'm willing to do whatever it takes. Wherever they put me, I'm happy to be here," Guentzel said. "Right now I'm more comfortable at wing, but it just takes a couple of reps at center I could get back into it, working on faceoffs. It's a little bit of everything that you have to work on."
Rutherford made it clear that the Pens would prefer to develop Guentzel as a consistent sidecar to Sidney Crosby. The duo was a formidable pair during the stretch run and postseason last year.
"That's an option, but we prefer Jake to play the wing and continue building on what he and Sid did last year," Rutherford said. "If it's short-term it's OK, but it mixes up what we're trying to do with our lines. The good thing about that is, there is an option. There is a guy that can move to that position."
In the meantime, Rutherford will wait for the right deal and the right time.
"I believe you have to have the right fit, the right guy to go into that position," Rutherford said. "There are guys out there that we've talked about. We probably could have made a deal by now."
After answering the seventh question by the media regarding a third-line center, Rutherford added with a smile: "I'm not as anxious as you guys are to fill that role."
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang has been cleared for contact and can skate with his teammates in their informal skates and at the beginning of training camp, which begins this Friday.
Letang has been rehabbing this summer following surgery on a herniated disc in his neck in mid-April.
"My health is pretty good. I've been working out all summer," Letang said. "I was restrained at the beginning. I got the clearance to start running and skating around July 5th. I've had a pretty full summer."
Though he has taken an important step in his recovery, it's still unknown if Letang will be ready for the team's season-opener on Oct. 4 vs. St. Louis.
"We'll go day by day," Letang said. "I got cleared to have contact and skate with the team. We'll see how it goes the first few days and we'll increase the workload."
Letang, 30, has overcome a lot of injuries during his 10-plus year NHL career. He's recovered from everything from the typical sprains and strains to the more serious stroke.
In fact, Letang was named the team's Bill Masterton nominee, which is awarded to the player that perseveres against adversity, in back-to-back seasons in 2014 and '15 after recovering from the stroke, missing just 26 games. Letang still deals with the lingering effects of that stroke every day.
Letang was limited to just 41 games in the 2016-17 season after suffering the herniated disc in his neck. The injury wasn't a result of a one-time collision or hit, but due to an accumulation of hits over time.
Letang was shutdown in late February and tried to rehab the injury without surgery in an attempt to return to action. However, after time the team and Letang decided it was best to have surgery. He missed his team's entire championship run, but was a visible presence around the team.
Although Letang has experienced a lot in his life, even he was surprised by how mentally taxed he was post-neck surgery.
"When I woke up it was hard. It was a tough first two weeks," he said. "There is a lot that goes through your mind. After that I started getting more confidence when I was able to work out. I got my confidence back that I was going to be healthy."
Letang is the undisputed leader of the Pens' defensive corps. He is the most gifted and talented blueliner on the team, a former Norris Trophy nominee as NHL defenseman of the year and three-time All-Star.
Letang is also the club's top workhorse, logging a remarkable 25-plus minutes per game on average over the past three years, including a career-high 26:56 per game in 2015-16.
Letang's goal this season is to return to his former stature and playing time.
"I will. That's what I want to do," he said. "That's part of my game and the way that I play. That's the goal. I have no expectation. I'm going to go like I always have and go from there."
One thing is for sure, Letang does not want to relinquish any playing time.
"I'm healthy. (Playing a lot is) the only thing I know," Letang said. "I don't know why I would rest. The energy will be there for sure."
"My health is pretty good. I've been working out all summer," Letang said. "I was restrained at the beginning. I got the clearance to start running and skating around July 5th. I've had a pretty full summer."
Though he has taken an important step in his recovery, it's still unknown if Letang will be ready for the team's season-opener on Oct. 4 vs. St. Louis.
"We'll go day by day," Letang said. "I got cleared to have contact and skate with the team. We'll see how it goes the first few days and we'll increase the workload."
Letang, 30, has overcome a lot of injuries during his 10-plus year NHL career. He's recovered from everything from the typical sprains and strains to the more serious stroke.
In fact, Letang was named the team's Bill Masterton nominee, which is awarded to the player that perseveres against adversity, in back-to-back seasons in 2014 and '15 after recovering from the stroke, missing just 26 games. Letang still deals with the lingering effects of that stroke every day.
Letang was limited to just 41 games in the 2016-17 season after suffering the herniated disc in his neck. The injury wasn't a result of a one-time collision or hit, but due to an accumulation of hits over time.
Letang was shutdown in late February and tried to rehab the injury without surgery in an attempt to return to action. However, after time the team and Letang decided it was best to have surgery. He missed his team's entire championship run, but was a visible presence around the team.
Although Letang has experienced a lot in his life, even he was surprised by how mentally taxed he was post-neck surgery.
"When I woke up it was hard. It was a tough first two weeks," he said. "There is a lot that goes through your mind. After that I started getting more confidence when I was able to work out. I got my confidence back that I was going to be healthy."
Letang is the undisputed leader of the Pens' defensive corps. He is the most gifted and talented blueliner on the team, a former Norris Trophy nominee as NHL defenseman of the year and three-time All-Star.
Letang is also the club's top workhorse, logging a remarkable 25-plus minutes per game on average over the past three years, including a career-high 26:56 per game in 2015-16.
Letang's goal this season is to return to his former stature and playing time.
"I will. That's what I want to do," he said. "That's part of my game and the way that I play. That's the goal. I have no expectation. I'm going to go like I always have and go from there."
One thing is for sure, Letang does not want to relinquish any playing time.
"I'm healthy. (Playing a lot is) the only thing I know," Letang said. "I don't know why I would rest. The energy will be there for sure."
The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Kevin Stevens a special assignment scout, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.
Stevens, 52, will be based out of Boston, and his role will include amateur scouting and the scouting of college free agents.
A native of Brockton, Massachusetts, Stevens is one of the most accomplished players in team history, ranking in the top-10 on the franchise's all-time lists for goals (260, 7th), assists (295, 10th) and points (555, 8th) in 522 games over two stints with the club. He was a key catalyst for Pittsburgh during its back-to-back Stanley Cup championship wins in 1991 and '92.
One of the top power forwards of his era, Stevens hit the 40-goal mark four times with Pittsburgh, including a career-high 55 tallies in 1992-93. He produced a career-best 123 points during the '91-92 campaign. Both numbers represent club records by a left wing.
When Pittsburgh won its first Stanley Cup in 1991, Stevens led the way with a club-high 17 goals, the highest single-playoff total in team history. His 106 points (46G-60A) in 103 postseason contests rank fifth in team history.
A three-time NHL All-Star with Pittsburgh, Stevens is a member of the Penguins' All-Time Team.
Stevens enjoyed a 17-year NHL playing career with the Penguins, Boston, Los Angeles, the New York Rangers and Philadelphia, compiling 329 goals, 397 assists and 726 points in 874 career contests.
This will be Stevens' second stint in the Penguins' front office. He was a pro scout from 2005-12, winning a third Stanley Cup championship as an executive with Pittsburgh's 2009 title team.
One of the top power forwards of his era, Stevens hit the 40-goal mark four times with Pittsburgh, including a career-high 55 tallies in 1992-93. He produced a career-best 123 points during the '91-92 campaign. Both numbers represent club records by a left wing.
When Pittsburgh won its first Stanley Cup in 1991, Stevens led the way with a club-high 17 goals, the highest single-playoff total in team history. His 106 points (46G-60A) in 103 postseason contests rank fifth in team history.
A three-time NHL All-Star with Pittsburgh, Stevens is a member of the Penguins' All-Time Team.
Stevens enjoyed a 17-year NHL playing career with the Penguins, Boston, Los Angeles, the New York Rangers and Philadelphia, compiling 329 goals, 397 assists and 726 points in 874 career contests.
This will be Stevens' second stint in the Penguins' front office. He was a pro scout from 2005-12, winning a third Stanley Cup championship as an executive with Pittsburgh's 2009 title team.
The Pens have spent the past few weeks taking part in "informal skates" at the team's official practice facility, UPMC Lemieux Complex in Cranberry, Pa.
The informal skates are organized and run by the players, and has become a normal part of every NHL team's routine, which typically run from mid-August until the beginning of training camp.
The informal skates are organized and run by the players, and has become a normal part of every NHL team's routine, which typically run from mid-August until the beginning of training camp.
The skates provide the players an opportunity to work on their fitness level, strength, conditioning and skillset on the ice. But off the ice the players have a chance to bond with their teammates and catch up on stories from the summer.
Attendance at the skates isn't mandatory, but any new players to a team will use the skates as a way to meet their new teammates and assimilate into the locker room.
Several of the Pens summer acquisitions were among the group on Thursday afternoon, including forward Ryan Reaves and goaltender Antti Niemi.
Both players chatted with the media. Niemi, who arrived in Pittsburgh on Monday night, discussed the importance of joining a new team early.
"I feel like I always want to be a little early to get settled and get to know how everything works," said the veteran goaltender. "For me, it's important to be at least a week early.
"It feels great being here a few days before the camp and getting to know everybody."
But the main attraction of the day was Reaves, who held court with members of the media.
"It's been fun. Everybody has been really welcoming," said Reaves, who was acquired via trade from the St. Louis Blues at this summer's NHL Draft. "It's been nice. I'm waiting for my house. I'm just trying to get the lay of the land."
While there will be plenty of time in the future to discuss what Reaves will add as a player, he gave the media a glimmer of his vibrant and confident personality.
After Reaves agreed to be interviewed, the media surrounded his stall. However, silence fell among the gathering as no questions were asked. Reaves pounced with a joke:
"Am I asking the questions or (the media)?"
Then it was time to start with the serious stuff, like, fantasy football.
"I've had a little bit of fun with a couple of the boys. I did a fantasy draft two days ago," he said.
The Pens run a notoriously competitive fantasy football league. Reaves is the newest member to join. And as luck would have it, he had the first-overall pick.
"I took 'Zeek' first overall," Reaves said referring to Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. However, Elliott is facing a 6-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy of the NFL. That fact, however, didn't dissuade Reaves.
"I know he's suspended, but I don't need him right now. I need him down the home stretch," he rationalized. "I have a bunch of Raiders on my team. Those are my boys so we'll be good."
If you need to know which player is the most competitive in the fantasy football league, look no further than the team's captain, Sidney Crosby.
"We've hung out a couple of times. (Crosby is) a really nice guy," Reaves said. "I'm excited to work with him for sure."
That doesn't mean the two didn't have their differences in the past. Reaves, who is known more for his physical toughness and punishing style of play than his scoring touch, has had a few run-ins with Crosby in the past.
"I would say that mine and Sid's relationship before this was rocky," Reaves admitted. "I don't know if we really liked each other on the ice. I don't know many people that like me on the ice."
Both have crossed the bridge to friendship, which is probably unlikely for the rest of the league when it comes to Reaves.
"That's a lot of bridges," he joked. "You need a lot of steel for that."
Speaking of steel, Reaves does have something in common with the local NFL club, the Steelers. He and a certain Hall of Famer both wear the No. 75. He was well aware of the similarity.
"'Mean' Joe Greene and Mean Ryan Reaves. We'll see if it catches on," laughed Reaves.
Reaves and Greene do play the same type of game: mean.
Though if you ask the tatted Reaves, that isn't the only asset he will bring to the Pens.
"There will definitely be a lot more goals scored on this team," he said with a smile. "I know these guys were struggling with that last year."
All joking aside, Reaves has a natural charisma and personality that will fit well inside the Pens locker room. And he's happy to be a part of it.
"Everybody has been really good. For me, I'm really excited for this opportunity," he said. "It's a really good team and a good chance to win the Cup. That's what everybody wants."
Attendance at the skates isn't mandatory, but any new players to a team will use the skates as a way to meet their new teammates and assimilate into the locker room.
Several of the Pens summer acquisitions were among the group on Thursday afternoon, including forward Ryan Reaves and goaltender Antti Niemi.
Both players chatted with the media. Niemi, who arrived in Pittsburgh on Monday night, discussed the importance of joining a new team early.
"I feel like I always want to be a little early to get settled and get to know how everything works," said the veteran goaltender. "For me, it's important to be at least a week early.
"It feels great being here a few days before the camp and getting to know everybody."
But the main attraction of the day was Reaves, who held court with members of the media.
"It's been fun. Everybody has been really welcoming," said Reaves, who was acquired via trade from the St. Louis Blues at this summer's NHL Draft. "It's been nice. I'm waiting for my house. I'm just trying to get the lay of the land."
While there will be plenty of time in the future to discuss what Reaves will add as a player, he gave the media a glimmer of his vibrant and confident personality.
After Reaves agreed to be interviewed, the media surrounded his stall. However, silence fell among the gathering as no questions were asked. Reaves pounced with a joke:
"Am I asking the questions or (the media)?"
Then it was time to start with the serious stuff, like, fantasy football.
"I've had a little bit of fun with a couple of the boys. I did a fantasy draft two days ago," he said.
The Pens run a notoriously competitive fantasy football league. Reaves is the newest member to join. And as luck would have it, he had the first-overall pick.
"I took 'Zeek' first overall," Reaves said referring to Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. However, Elliott is facing a 6-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy of the NFL. That fact, however, didn't dissuade Reaves.
"I know he's suspended, but I don't need him right now. I need him down the home stretch," he rationalized. "I have a bunch of Raiders on my team. Those are my boys so we'll be good."
If you need to know which player is the most competitive in the fantasy football league, look no further than the team's captain, Sidney Crosby.
"We've hung out a couple of times. (Crosby is) a really nice guy," Reaves said. "I'm excited to work with him for sure."
That doesn't mean the two didn't have their differences in the past. Reaves, who is known more for his physical toughness and punishing style of play than his scoring touch, has had a few run-ins with Crosby in the past.
"I would say that mine and Sid's relationship before this was rocky," Reaves admitted. "I don't know if we really liked each other on the ice. I don't know many people that like me on the ice."
Both have crossed the bridge to friendship, which is probably unlikely for the rest of the league when it comes to Reaves.
"That's a lot of bridges," he joked. "You need a lot of steel for that."
Speaking of steel, Reaves does have something in common with the local NFL club, the Steelers. He and a certain Hall of Famer both wear the No. 75. He was well aware of the similarity.
"'Mean' Joe Greene and Mean Ryan Reaves. We'll see if it catches on," laughed Reaves.
Reaves and Greene do play the same type of game: mean.
Though if you ask the tatted Reaves, that isn't the only asset he will bring to the Pens.
"There will definitely be a lot more goals scored on this team," he said with a smile. "I know these guys were struggling with that last year."
All joking aside, Reaves has a natural charisma and personality that will fit well inside the Pens locker room. And he's happy to be a part of it.
"Everybody has been really good. For me, I'm really excited for this opportunity," he said. "It's a really good team and a good chance to win the Cup. That's what everybody wants."
The Penguins have signed undrafted free agent goaltender Alex D'Orio to a three-year, entry-level contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.
D'Orio, 18, backstopped the Penguins to the best record during the 2017 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, going 2-0-1 and stopping 74 of the 82 shots he faced in three appearances. He also participated in the Penguins' prospect development camp in July.
A 6-foot-2, 209-pound native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, D'Orio enjoyed a stellar rookie season with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2016-17, helping his club win their league championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup tournament.
D'Orio, who like former Penguins goalie Tom Barrasso catches with his right hand, saw action in 28 regular-season games for the Sea Dogs, posting a 19-2-2 record to accompany his team-low 2.40 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. Heading into the 2017 NHL Draft, D'Orio was ranked as one of the top-15 North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting.
This season, D'Orio is expected to take on a much bigger workload for the Sea Dogs. In preseason action, he stopped 28 of the 30 shots he saw in 90 minutes of action over a pair of appearances. His lone start was a 13-save shutout against Acadie-Bathurst.
Saint John chose D'Orio in the first round (9th overall) of the 2015 QMJHL Draft.
A 6-foot-2, 209-pound native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, D'Orio enjoyed a stellar rookie season with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2016-17, helping his club win their league championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup tournament.
D'Orio, who like former Penguins goalie Tom Barrasso catches with his right hand, saw action in 28 regular-season games for the Sea Dogs, posting a 19-2-2 record to accompany his team-low 2.40 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. Heading into the 2017 NHL Draft, D'Orio was ranked as one of the top-15 North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting.
This season, D'Orio is expected to take on a much bigger workload for the Sea Dogs. In preseason action, he stopped 28 of the 30 shots he saw in 90 minutes of action over a pair of appearances. His lone start was a 13-save shutout against Acadie-Bathurst.
Saint John chose D'Orio in the first round (9th overall) of the 2015 QMJHL Draft.
2. Loss of disciplineOne of the most interesting anomalies from last season was forward Nazem Kadri's sudden change in penalty differential.
1. Kasperi Kapanen, RW
