2023 Training Camp thread

[dark_forces]

Lines in practice. All you Nylander fans can exhale. All you Zohorna fans can inhale.

Rickard Rakell - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
Reilly Smith - Evgeni Malkin - Alex Nylander
Drew O'Connor - Lars Eller - Matt Nieto
Vinnie Hinostroza/Austin Wagner - Noel Acciari - Jeff Carter/Radim Zohorna

Ryan Graves - Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson - Erik Karlsson
P.O Joseph - Chad Ruhwedel
Ryan Shea - Mark Friedman

I wonder if this means Ty Smith isn't long for the big club. Something has to give with him. I believe he must clear waivers to be sent down, which I think is very doubtful. I would imagine he would be worth a second round pick for a building team.

[Pitts]

Lines in practice. All you Nylander fans can exhale. All you Zohorna fans can inhale.

Rickard Rakell - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
Reilly Smith - Evgeni Malkin - Alex Nylander
Drew O'Connor - Lars Eller - Matt Nieto
Vinnie Hinostroza/Austin Wagner - Noel Acciari - Jeff Carter/Radim Zohorna

Ryan Graves - Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson - Erik Karlsson
P.O Joseph - Chad Ruhwedel
Ryan Shea - Mark Friedman

I kinda wish Friedman was the pick over Chad. I like his irritating style and he seems to have a bit more offensive instinct.

[Three Stars]

[largegarlic]

I had no idea who Ryan Shea is. Looking him up, it looks like he's 26 and hasn't played a single NHL game. He did have decent point totals in the AHL the last couple years though: 3 g/29 a in 21-22 and 7 g/21 a in 22-23. But it seems odd that he'd have the inside track on the #4 LD spot over Smith or even Butcher.

[Three Stars]

I really doubt that these lines are the final lines for the season opener, so any angst about player positions is likely premature.

Ty Smith’s problem is that he’s not Erik Karlsson. If you’re going to be a defensively questionable offenseman in the league, then you’d better be bloody brilliant at the offense part. If the other 5 d-men were Rob Scuderi clones then you put up with his foibles and let him fly the zone…but that is not the case.

[Daniel]

I really doubt that these lines are the final lines for the season opener, so any angst about player positions is likely premature.

Ty Smith’s problem is that he’s not Erik Karlsson. If you’re going to be a defensively questionable offenseman in the league, then you’d better be bloody brilliant at the offense part. If the other 5 d-men were Rob Scuderi clones then you put up with his foibles and let him fly the zone…but that is not the case.

The 3rd pairing might play 10 minutes a game. Might as well have Smith play with POJ and see what happens.

[longtimefan]

I wouldn't put much stock in the practice lines. The day before the last cuts last season had Smith in the top 6. It looked like he had won the battle with POJ. Then he was sent down because of being waiver exempt. I was reading a bit about last nights games and he seemed to be receiving a passing grade. And he played the right side. When I was doing research a while back, I found out that he played the vast majority of his Jr career on the right side. Sometimes people are just more comfortable. Like Trevor Daley. They aren't likely to waive him because of his age and pedigree. He'll either make the team or be traded in my opinion.

The three forwards who seem to be forcing their hand are Nylander, Zohorna, and Poulin. Poulin may get caught up in the same situation as Smith did last year. I do think he'll be called up at the first chance. He looks NHL ready. Nylander and Zohorna may both make it. They aren't really competing in my view. Nylander is being asked to fill a secondary scoring role who can play in the top 6 in a pinch. Zohorna is a 3rd or 4th liner who is a big body, something they sorely need. He could end up on the 3rd if he proves capable of scoring more than the odd goal. Oherwise he can add a bit of size and scoring potential on a 4th line. I certainly prefer him to Carter on a 4th line role. Carter may prove capable of playing on the 4th line, but he's not really that type of player. I see him as either the 3RW or in the press box. Or moved in some matter. Be it a trade or potential LTIR.

[Three Stars]

I really doubt that these lines are the final lines for the season opener, so any angst about player positions is likely premature.

Ty Smith’s problem is that he’s not Erik Karlsson. If you’re going to be a defensively questionable offenseman in the league, then you’d better be bloody brilliant at the offense part. If the other 5 d-men were Rob Scuderi clones then you put up with his foibles and let him fly the zone…but that is not the case.

The 3rd pairing might play 10 minutes a game. Might as well have Smith play with POJ and see what happens.

Yeah, but do you want those 10 minutes to be caved into their own end? If last year taught us anything, it’s that just a few mistakes a game can cost them points and wins. The margin for error is small. See: Brian Dumoulin.

[pens_CT]

I guess its some unwritten rule that 58 has to be on PP#1. I hope like hell, he actually shoots and hits the net from that LW circle. Unfortunately I see a lot of cross-crease passes to 71 from Letang that either get intercepted or lead to nothing in particular.

[Daniel]

I really doubt that these lines are the final lines for the season opener, so any angst about player positions is likely premature.

Ty Smith’s problem is that he’s not Erik Karlsson. If you’re going to be a defensively questionable offenseman in the league, then you’d better be bloody brilliant at the offense part. If the other 5 d-men were Rob Scuderi clones then you put up with his foibles and let him fly the zone…but that is not the case.

The 3rd pairing might play 10 minutes a game. Might as well have Smith play with POJ and see what happens.

Yeah, but do you want those 10 minutes to be caved into their own end? If last year taught us anything, it’s that just a few mistakes a game can cost them points and wins. The margin for error is small. See: Brian Dumoulin.

Maybe, depends on usage. Offensive zone faceoff right after a PP should be insulated enough. The team needs so see what they have in Ty Smith and early in the season is the best time to do it.

[Geezer]

I try to follow WBS as carefully as I can. I consider Nylander to be fool's gold and would rather see others get a chance before him.

[FLPensFan]

I try to follow WBS as carefully as I can. I consider Nylander to be fool's gold and would rather see others get a chance before him.

Nylander seems to be able to score some goals and produce offensively, and maybe play a well rounded game for 1-2 games...then slacks off. Seems like that is the consistency that they are talking about. He has to stay interested and vested for 60 minutes every game.

[dark_forces]

I try to follow WBS as carefully as I can. I consider Nylander to be fool's gold and would rather see others get a chance before him.

I'm torn. Two organizations gave up on him, but he was drafted very high by Buffalo, where numerous 1st round picks have floundered.
We know he has some offensive skill and can play with skilled players. So if he can continue to show he's responsible at both ends, I think he deserves a shot, but his leash should be short.
I would love to see either Puustinen or Poulin leapfrog him, or at least push their way onto the bottom of the roster. Same goes for Zohorna who may yet be a dependable 12th/13th forward.

[Daniel]

I try to follow WBS as carefully as I can. I consider Nylander to be fool's gold and would rather see others get a chance before him.

I'm torn. Two organizations gave up on him, but he was drafted very high by Buffalo, where numerous 1st round picks have floundered.
We know he has some offensive skill and can play with skilled players. So if he can continue to show he's responsible at both ends, I think he deserves a shot, but his leash should be short.
I would love to see either Puustinen or Poulin leapfrog him, or at least push their way onto the bottom of the roster. Same goes for Zohorna who may yet be a dependable 12th/13th forward.

I'd say playing with Sid while Jake is out will be a make or break it for Nylander's career. He might end up like Daniel Sprong, signing one year contracts for different teams every other year.

[pens_CT]

I try to follow WBS as carefully as I can. I consider Nylander to be fool's gold and would rather see others get a chance before him.

I would prefer Puustinen instead of Nylander. I think Puustinen probably signs in Finland after this season since he will probably not much of an opportunity with the Pens.

[Pitts]

I try to follow WBS as carefully as I can. I consider Nylander to be fool's gold and would rather see others get a chance before him.

I'm torn. Two organizations gave up on him, but he was drafted very high by Buffalo, where numerous 1st round picks have floundered.
We know he has some offensive skill and can play with skilled players. So if he can continue to show he's responsible at both ends, I think he deserves a shot, but his leash should be short.
I would love to see either Puustinen or Poulin leapfrog him, or at least push their way onto the bottom of the roster. Same goes for Zohorna who may yet be a dependable 12th/13th forward.

I wonder if he was drafted so high based on name and a certain sibling?

[FLPensFan]

I try to follow WBS as carefully as I can. I consider Nylander to be fool's gold and would rather see others get a chance before him.

I'm torn. Two organizations gave up on him, but he was drafted very high by Buffalo, where numerous 1st round picks have floundered.
We know he has some offensive skill and can play with skilled players. So if he can continue to show he's responsible at both ends, I think he deserves a shot, but his leash should be short.
I would love to see either Puustinen or Poulin leapfrog him, or at least push their way onto the bottom of the roster. Same goes for Zohorna who may yet be a dependable 12th/13th forward.

I wonder if he was drafted so high based on name and a certain sibling?

I don't think that had a ton to do with it. Maybe the bloodline a bit of his father, but at the time Alex was drafted, William hadn't done much at the NHL level. 22 games and 13 points. Alex actually had a year in the OHL where he put up 75 points, where William was drafted straight out of MODO from the SHL.

While William was getting most of the hype, many of the scouts had them pegged as similar players. Alex was projected as a 1st line player. Not really sure if he just didn't have the skillset, or if Buffalo mishandled his development.

[KG]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uftqjA81AUQ

Just came across this. Tortilla challenge Rakell and MP. Little laugh on a quiet Friday...

[Admin]

Why?

[dark_forces]

Out of the remaining PTO's, who is the strongest candidate to earn a contract?
I think it must be White, at this point, given that Pysyk's future appears cloudy.

[Ericf]

Out of the remaining PTO's, who is the strongest candidate to earn a contract?
I think it must be White, at this point, given that Pysyk's future appears cloudy.

Wagner

[FLPensFan]

Out of the remaining PTO's, who is the strongest candidate to earn a contract?
I think it must be White, at this point, given that Pysyk's future appears cloudy.

I think Zohorna's play has killed White's chances. I'd much rather have Zohorna than White at this point, and I was high on White coming in. Big Z plays wing and center, has played well, has zero left to prove/learn in WBS, and is very well liked by his teammates.

I don't see a spot for Wagner right now. Maybe he is signed but starts in WBS.

[pens_CT]

Out of the remaining PTO's, who is the strongest candidate to earn a contract?
I think it must be White, at this point, given that Pysyk's future appears cloudy.

I think Zohorna's play has killed White's chances. I'd much rather have Zohorna than White at this point, and I was high on White coming in. Big Z plays wing and center, has played well, has zero left to prove/learn in WBS, and is very well liked by his teammates.

I don't see a spot for Wagner right now. Maybe he is signed but starts in WBS.

Does it really matter whether its White or Zohorna? Barring an injury whoever makes the roster is probably eating nachos while we watch Carter trying to keep up with his linemates.

[Puck-Lurker]

Out of the remaining PTO's, who is the strongest candidate to earn a contract?
I think it must be White, at this point, given that Pysyk's future appears cloudy.

I think Zohorna's play has killed White's chances. I'd much rather have Zohorna than White at this point, and I was high on White coming in. Big Z plays wing and center, has played well, has zero left to prove/learn in WBS, and is very well liked by his teammates.

I don't see a spot for Wagner right now. Maybe he is signed but starts in WBS.

Does it really matter whether its White or Zohorna? Barring an injury whoever makes the roster is probably eating nachos while we watch Carter trying to keep up with his linemates.

For a while, perhaps. But Carter may get injured, by accident, mind you, tripping over... road markings... in the parking lot... tragic, just tragic!

[Maestro]

White? Sounds about right "cause he a ghost.