As training camp steams ahead we should get a good idea about which fringe players are going to get legitimate opportunities to show themselves. It is looking likely that Zach Aston-Reese will be given every chance to make the big roster.
Sullivan says Aston-Reese has skillset to play with Malkin and Kessel, but "it's not etched in stone." -SK
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) September 18, 2017
In a perfect world it sure seems like the Malkin line will have Aston-Reese on it if he is up to the challenge. The question now is how Aston-Reese does against the other NHL teams in the preseason. Is he going to be the next Ryan Malone or the next Eric Tangradi? Malkin and Malone were a great duo until the Pittsburgh native bolted to Tampa Bay. Much like Malone Aston Reese isn't known for his speed, but for his hands and offensive awareness.
If Aston-Reese still needs AHL time to start the year it doesn't necessarily mean he won't ever climb the depth chart. If he were to be sent down you would hope that he would project to playing at a point per game level.
I would force feed him time with Geno and Phil during the preseason. The larger the sample the better.
There is another player fighting for a full time NHL spot for what seems like the 100th straight preseason
Sullivan on Pouliot: "I think he's making a positive impression." #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 18, 2017
Words don't mean anything. Play him or don't. His trade value has cratered and if you don't like the player just absorb the hit and move on. There's no sense in dragging this situation out another year. There's really not much to add about this situation.
Sullivan on Pouliot: "I think he's making a positive impression." #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 18, 2017
They don't really have a choice at the current moment. Until Jim Rutherford finds the right deal they will have to scrape together what they have and hope the superstars do superstar things. They probably will.
Thanks for reading!