Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford spoke to the media today as did Head Coach Mike Johnston.
Here are some of the things they said and my thoughts about it.
Coach Johnston: Our defense is wide open right now. They'll get a good opportunity to show what they can do (in preseason games) -SK
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) September 17, 2015
Certainly makes sense considering the lack of bonafide top four defensemen on this team. The young guys will get the chance to show their stuff.
Coach Johnston likes Gonchar's style and what he brings. Wants to see him in action -SK
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) September 17, 2015
I like his style too. However, it remains to be seen if it is still effective enough for high level NHL action. It is one thing to earn a paycheck with an also ran it is another thing to take up a roster spot on a contending team. We'll see if he still has it in the coming weeks.
Rutherford says they'd like to start with eight defensemen.
— Jason Mackey (@Mackey_Trib) September 17, 2015
This is good news for Sergei Gonchar and also means that probably at least one of Brian Dumoulin, Tim Erixon, or Adam Clendening will start on the big roster.
Rutherford on the #Pens young defense: "It's time now."
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 17, 2015
Johnston says Kessel's first game will be the first home game, against Carolina.
— Jason Mackey (@Mackey_Trib) September 17, 2015
Circle the date on your calendars. Phil Kessel officially makes his debut in game action in front of the home crowd.
Johnston says Kessel can play with either Crosby or Malkin, due to his speed and ability to adapt to their give-and-go style of play. #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 17, 2015
Great players are able to play with other players. Things are even easier when you are talking about great players playing with other great players.
Johnston says Bobby Farnham has a chance to make the opening night roster, but wants to see him add a bit to his game. #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 17, 2015
Bobby Farnham is an AHL player. The "add a bit to his game" would mean actually finding some NHL ability. There should be no situation where Conor Sheary and Scott Wilson are fighting for a roster spot with Bobby Farnham.
Johnston says the #Pens have "some wrinkles" when it comes to how they'll strategize for 3-on-3.
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 17, 2015
There are two really obvious choices here. Crosby-Malkin-Letang or Crosby-Malkin-Kessel. I'm fine with either of them.
Rutherford said Fehr is at about 60 percent. Says could be ready a month into the season, wasn't committing, though. #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 17, 2015
Fehr is on a three year deal and the Penguins have plenty of center depth to start the season (Crosby, Malkin, Bonino, Cullen). No need to push the issue.
Rutherford: "there's no reason for me to aggressively pursue" a trade at this point.
— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPG) September 17, 2015
Agreed. The only trade that needed to be aggressively pursued was moving Rob Scuderi. With a lot of the previous player options not available anymore it isn't as pressing.
Rutherford on Beau Bennett: "We should have given more time in the AHL to develop at his own pace, instead of pushing him." #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 17, 2015
The issue is and always has been injuries with player usage negatively impacting him as well. His development as a hockey player hasn't been slowed because of the allotment of AHL time he has received. If he is on the ice this year he will help the team. The Penguins don't have any centers who are completely void of skill anymore to hold him back.
Bonus
Jagr wishes new 3 on3 overtime rule was put in 20 years ago! #flapanthers
— Harvey Fialkov (@hfialkov) September 17, 2015
Double J already owns the NHL record for overtime goals with 19. He more than likely would have hit the 30 barrier by now if three on three was in place.
Thanks for reading!