2024 Rookie/Training Camp Thread

[KG]

Per Taylor Haase:

--Ned out week to week with a lower body injury (which means Blomqvist very likely to make the team to start as the backup)
--Lizotte has a concussion from the puck to the face. No timeline yet for return
--Ponomarev day to day with a shoulder injury

Rust with a maintenance day too. Would be great for him to have a healthy season. He’s hurt a lot for a player that doesn’t play a physical game.

[Crash66]

I may be in the minority, but IMHO Larsson has been the best goalie to play thus far. I remember thinking in the 1st period of the first game "Blomqvist is making the saves but man it looks awkward". Steigy said the same thing on radio between periods when he relieved Ned. I know it's a small sample size for Larsson and against lesser talent but.... I'd like to see him in one of these remaining preseason games.

[FLPensFan]

Per Taylor Haase:

Just asked Mike Sullivan, and he said there’s a chance Harrison Brunicke sticks around for the 9-game tryout to start the season before they decide whether to send him back to junior (he’s not eligible for the AHL).

[FLPensFan]

I may be in the minority, but IMHO Larsson has been the best goalie to play thus far. I remember thinking in the 1st period of the first game "Blomqvist is making the saves but man it looks awkward". Steigy said the same thing on radio between periods when he relieved Ned. I know it's a small sample size for Larsson and against lesser talent but.... I'd like to see him in one of these remaining preseason games.

With Ned out, I'm sure Larsson will get some time. The Penguins play Thursday/Friday back to back against Columbus. I'd expect Jarry would likely get the Friday start, and maybe Blomqvist and Larsson split the other game.

Blomqvist struggled a bit in that first game against Buffalo, especially on the long shots, but he's looked very solid since then. Larsson has looked good too, which leads me to believe more and more that, even though Murashov is in AHL right now, he may start the season in Wheeling. Larsson is too good for Wheeling right now, and didn't leave one of the top leagues in Europe to play in the ECHL.

[Pens4Life]

Yeah,if Ned is out longer time, its now battle between Blom and Larsson for backup spot.. Im leaning toward Larsson, because he is more experianced and already more established pro.

[Puck-Lurker]

Yeah,if Ned is out longer time, its now battle between Blom and Larsson for backup spot.. Im leaning toward Larsson, because he is more experianced and already more established pro.

I don't know, think the organisation will pick whoever is looking better in the moment. They like Blomqvist.

If it's longer term, no harm in going with Larsson as backup for 5 games, he gets 1, maybe 2 starts, then swap him out for Blomqvist and do the same.

Blomqvist has a higher ceiling I think, but goalies are hard to gauge.

[Pitts]

By the looks of this, it seems Crosby may be centering O'Connor and McGroarty tonight. Unless Pulju gets RW up top - which, based on camp performance, should be the play.

[Pitts]

Also - Karlsson appears to be practicing this morning.

[KG]

By the looks of this, it seems Crosby may be centering O'Connor and McGroarty tonight. Unless Pulju gets RW up top - which, based on camp performance, should be the play.

Would be great to see McGroarty play with Sid, at least for 1 game. Beauvillier has gotten a lot of time with Sid this camp. A lot more then I expected to be honest. Real curious to see how this all plays out.

Wouldn't shock me to see them put Glass on waivers. He hasn't really done much this camp. Not likely anyone will claim him because of his salary and if they do, that's more coin in our pocket.

[FLPensFan]

Based on how camp has gone, injuries, who's play is up and down, this is my current guess on the opening night lineup:

Beauvillier-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
DOC-Eller-Puljujarvi
Hayes-Glass-Acciari
x-Puustinen

SOIR - Nieto, Lizotte, Nedeljkovic

Grzelcyzk-Letang
Petterson-Karlsson
Graves-St.Ivany
x-Ludvig, ?

Jarry
Blomqvist

And a few comments:
--I don't think Beauvillier will be on Crosby's line the whole season, unless he has a big rebound year. His speed and forechecking give an old style Kunitz/Duper element to the line. He and DOC could easily be swapped on opening night too, but getting Beauvillier some early success and back on the path to being a 15-21 goal a season player, versus the 5 goals across 3 teams he scored last year, would be a big help.

--For the 3rd line...it should be Puljujarvi on RW. He's been one of if not THE best forward in camp this year. I could see him splitting time with Puustinen depending on opponent and who is hot/cold. But Pool Party should be in the lineup to start.

--That 3rd line is also a good balance of guys who should be able to score 15 goals each, as well as guys that are strong on the forecheck and defensively.

--4th line will depend on Lizotte being healthy or not. If he isn't to start, this is probably the best config because both Acciari and Glass are either center or RW only. I'd rather Glass be the center and finally be able to see Acciari the winger, who is a different player than Acciari the center.

--On defense, no real surprises except, I don't know who the 8th defenseman will be. Brunicke deserves a look, but he's not a LD, and he has Letang and Karlsson ahead of him. If Karlsson is healthy, it doesn't make much sense to keep Brunicke. The Penguins play a home game then 3 on the road. They'd probably like to have an extra extra d-man that they could play, rather than just bringing Brunicke along for the ride to see NHL life.

--I also have a question mark there because honestly, none of the guys fighting for the 7th d-man really wowed me. Granted, I didn't watch every game or all of the games that I did watch...but I just don't hear much chatter of Ludvig, Shea, or Aho standing out a cut above anyone else.

--With Ned injured, Blomqvist will get the backup job. I'd also start Murashov and Larsson in the AHL, and give Murashov the early games, with the understanding he likely goes to Wheeling when Blomqvist returns...unless Murashov is so lights out that he makes the decisions even harder.
--

[Pitts]

By the looks of this, it seems Crosby may be centering O'Connor and McGroarty tonight. Unless Pulju gets RW up top - which, based on camp performance, should be the play.

Would be great to see McGroarty play with Sid, at least for 1 game. Beauvillier has gotten a lot of time with Sid this camp. A lot more then I expected to be honest. Real curious to see how this all plays out.

Wouldn't shock me to see them put Glass on waivers. He hasn't really done much this camp. Not likely anyone will claim him because of his salary and if they do, that's more coin in our pocket.

I need to correct myself. I missed Beauvillier in that image! Don't ask me how. So, it's tough call. DOC-Eller-Pulju has been a great line - do they keep them together as the predicted 3rd line opening night?

Perhaps top line will then be Beauvillier - Crosby - McGroarty.

[100565]

Based on how camp has gone, injuries, who's play is up and down, this is my current guess on the opening night lineup:

Beauvillier-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
DOC-Eller-Puljujarvi
Hayes-Glass-Acciari
x-Puustinen

SOIR - Nieto, Lizotte, Nedeljkovic

Grzelcyzk-Letang
Petterson-Karlsson
Graves-St.Ivany
x-Ludvig, ?

Jarry
Blomqvist

And a few comments:
--I don't think Beauvillier will be on Crosby's line the whole season, unless he has a big rebound year. His speed and forechecking give an old style Kunitz/Duper element to the line. He and DOC could easily be swapped on opening night too, but getting Beauvillier some early success and back on the path to being a 15-21 goal a season player, versus the 5 goals across 3 teams he scored last year, would be a big help.

--For the 3rd line...it should be Puljujarvi on RW. He's been one of if not THE best forward in camp this year. I could see him splitting time with Puustinen depending on opponent and who is hot/cold. But Pool Party should be in the lineup to start.

--That 3rd line is also a good balance of guys who should be able to score 15 goals each, as well as guys that are strong on the forecheck and defensively.

--4th line will depend on Lizotte being healthy or not. If he isn't to start, this is probably the best config because both Acciari and Glass are either center or RW only. I'd rather Glass be the center and finally be able to see Acciari the winger, who is a different player than Acciari the center.

--On defense, no real surprises except, I don't know who the 8th defenseman will be. Brunicke deserves a look, but he's not a LD, and he has Letang and Karlsson ahead of him. If Karlsson is healthy, it doesn't make much sense to keep Brunicke. The Penguins play a home game then 3 on the road. They'd probably like to have an extra extra d-man that they could play, rather than just bringing Brunicke along for the ride to see NHL life.

--I also have a question mark there because honestly, none of the guys fighting for the 7th d-man really wowed me. Granted, I didn't watch every game or all of the games that I did watch...but I just don't hear much chatter of Ludvig, Shea, or Aho standing out a cut above anyone else.

--With Ned injured, Blomqvist will get the backup job. I'd also start Murashov and Larsson in the AHL, and give Murashov the early games, with the understanding he likely goes to Wheeling when Blomqvist returns...unless Murashov is so lights out that he makes the decisions even harder.
--

I agree. This seems to be the roster as of now.

I still wish they would be bold and waive Hayes and start McGroarty. Doesn’t seem likely though. Perhaps Hayes is taking it easy in camp and will step up once season starts. McG should not play on 4th line though.

Biggest camp disappointment to me is Graves. Looks to be the same as last year.

[Puck-Lurker]

Based on how camp has gone, injuries, who's play is up and down, this is my current guess on the opening night lineup:

Beauvillier-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
DOC-Eller-Puljujarvi
Hayes-Glass-Acciari
x-Puustinen

SOIR - Nieto, Lizotte, Nedeljkovic

Grzelcyzk-Letang
Petterson-Karlsson
Graves-St.Ivany
x-Ludvig, ?

Jarry
Blomqvist

And a few comments:
--I don't think Beauvillier will be on Crosby's line the whole season, unless he has a big rebound year. His speed and forechecking give an old style Kunitz/Duper element to the line. He and DOC could easily be swapped on opening night too, but getting Beauvillier some early success and back on the path to being a 15-21 goal a season player, versus the 5 goals across 3 teams he scored last year, would be a big help.

--For the 3rd line...it should be Puljujarvi on RW. He's been one of if not THE best forward in camp this year. I could see him splitting time with Puustinen depending on opponent and who is hot/cold. But Pool Party should be in the lineup to start.

--That 3rd line is also a good balance of guys who should be able to score 15 goals each, as well as guys that are strong on the forecheck and defensively.

--4th line will depend on Lizotte being healthy or not. If he isn't to start, this is probably the best config because both Acciari and Glass are either center or RW only. I'd rather Glass be the center and finally be able to see Acciari the winger, who is a different player than Acciari the center.

--On defense, no real surprises except, I don't know who the 8th defenseman will be. Brunicke deserves a look, but he's not a LD, and he has Letang and Karlsson ahead of him. If Karlsson is healthy, it doesn't make much sense to keep Brunicke. The Penguins play a home game then 3 on the road. They'd probably like to have an extra extra d-man that they could play, rather than just bringing Brunicke along for the ride to see NHL life.

--I also have a question mark there because honestly, none of the guys fighting for the 7th d-man really wowed me. Granted, I didn't watch every game or all of the games that I did watch...but I just don't hear much chatter of Ludvig, Shea, or Aho standing out a cut above anyone else.

--With Ned injured, Blomqvist will get the backup job. I'd also start Murashov and Larsson in the AHL, and give Murashov the early games, with the understanding he likely goes to Wheeling when Blomqvist returns...unless Murashov is so lights out that he makes the decisions even harder.
--

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvilier-Eller-Puljujärvi
Glass-Hayes-Acciari
xPuustinen

Grzelcyk-Letang
Pettersson-Brunicke
Graves-St Ivany
xAho-Ludvig

SOIR - Lizotte - Forgetto - Karlsson - Ned

Jarry
Blomqvist

- I really, really don't believe in the Beauvilier experiment; not even for opening night, I'd put DOC there in a cold second and I think they'll revert to that before the puck drops.
- Still think AB could be a decent fit for 3LW, but if not there, I'd scratch him with the current roster.
- Eller or Hayes as 3C, I go back and forth. I do think that these two *should* be your two centers. Eller because that's where he's effective, Hayes because that's where his foot speed is less of an issue. Hayes on wing I don't believe in.
- Puljujärvi had an awesome camp, but Rust and Rakell are above him in the pecking order. 3RW it is. If he keeps trending the right way and has the drive that got him this far -- I think could keep his job -- but he'd be a very adequate 13F as the need arises.
- I keep hearing we totally need Acciari, so the JMFC memorial spot on 4RW. He PKs, but this guy just doesn't excite me in any way.
- Glass needs to compete for the 3C/4C spot or find a home on either wing. That means wing for now, only 4LW left. I wouldn't mind Lizotte here either, but injured. Glass needs to get very good at PK, I feel.

- Figured Karlsson and Lizotte would be on the injured list to start the year.
- Keep Brunicke up for his 9 games. If the experiment falls flat on its face, that's an experience to draw strength from; he can go down after 3-4 games.
- Aho, Ludvig, Shea, nice to have depth, but that's all they are. Serviceable dudes that can defend a bit. I've kept 2 up because Karlsson injured and because I put up Brunicke. Need someone to step in right away if things go awry.
- Chose Blomqvist because he's been in the system longer. Objectively, you might flip a coin and put Larsson there.

[FLPensFan]

By the looks of this, it seems Crosby may be centering O'Connor and McGroarty tonight. Unless Pulju gets RW up top - which, based on camp performance, should be the play.

Who had DOC and Beauvillier with Crosby, and McGroarty to 4th line on their bingo card?

Lines at practice per Hannah Kirkell:

Anthony Beauvillier - Sidney Crosby - Drew O'Connor
Michael Bunting - Evgeni Malkin - Rickard Rakell
Kevin Hayes - Cody Glass - Noel Acciari
Rutger McGroarty - Lars Eller - Jesse Puljujarvi

Matt Grzelcyk - Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson - Jack St. Ivany
Ryan Graves - Harrison Brunicke

Erik Karlsson is rotating in on the bottom pairing.

[KG]

Man OC has played LW/C/RW this camp. Wonder why they are moving him all over like that. Sully appears to really like Beauvillier...

He could be this seasons fan whipping boy lol.

Oh and poor Brunicke. Being saddled with Graves tonight.

[KG]

These lines look more accurate.

[FLPensFan]

Blomqvist is supposed to play the entire game tonight, with Larsson backing up. Another indicator who is getting the backup job while Ned is out.

[Puck-Lurker]

Man OC has played LW/C/RW this camp. Wonder why they are moving him all over like that. Sully appears to really like Beauvillier...

He could be this seasons fan whipping boy lol.

Oh and poor Brunicke. Being saddled with Graves tonight.

Look on it as an opportunity. If he can make Graves look good.. he gets an NHL job this season.

As for Drew, I think Sullivan actually loves him and I'm not kidding. He can play up and down the lineup as needed. Wouldn't put him at center, but that was in the game with almost entirely rookies and AHLers, and we don't have a need at center. Definitely plays the game the Sullivan way.

Beauvilier is getting some looks up to figure out a fit with Crosby. I'm unconvinced.

Not going to lie, I love the concept of a McEljarvi line, but that's fantasy land.

I do love how they just keep Bunting-Malkin-Rakell together. Not even trying to mix that up. That's fine as a second line. Keep it.

[FLPensFan]

Man OC has played LW/C/RW this camp. Wonder why they are moving him all over like that. Sully appears to really like Beauvillier...

He could be this seasons fan whipping boy lol.

Oh and poor Brunicke. Being saddled with Graves tonight.

Look on it as an opportunity. If he can make Graves look good.. he gets an NHL job this season.

As for Drew, I think Sullivan actually loves him and I'm not kidding. He can play up and down the lineup as needed. Wouldn't put him at center, but that was in the game with almost entirely rookies and AHLers, and we don't have a need at center. Definitely plays the game the Sullivan way.

Beauvilier is getting some looks up to figure out a fit with Crosby. I'm unconvinced.

Not going to lie, I love the concept of a McEljarvi line, but that's fantasy land.

I do love how they just keep Bunting-Malkin-Rakell together. Not even trying to mix that up. That's fine as a second line. Keep it.

Rust is currently listed as day to day, so maybe there is a chance that Rust misses a game or two, and McGroarty gets a couple of games here as well before going down to the AHL. I haven't really seen Sullivan make a negative comment about McGroarty. He's made some good comments, but he hasn't exactly been gushing, either.

Brunicke, on the other hand...seems like everyone in the locker room is buzzing about him. I almost start to wonder how well St. Ivany could play his offside while Graves enjoys some sweet Georgia pine! But that won't happen. Brunicke is starting to look like someone who should have had a 1st round grade.

[FLPensFan]

[Pens4Life]

yeah, if Graves would be on contract for 1.5M or 2M he would be scratched - but with that albatross contract he wont be, at least not yet in early stage of season..

[Tico Rick]

I wonder if they're tying to move Poulin.

[Tico Rick]

Obscure question re. Brunicke: Since he's not AHL-eligible for two years, if he plays 9 games this year and then go back to juniors, can he also play 9 games next year? Or can you only do that once?

[FLPensFan]

Obscure question re. Brunicke: Since he's not AHL-eligible for two years, if he plays 9 games this year and then go back to juniors, can he also play 9 games next year? Or can you only do that once?

I believe he can do 9 games next year, too. I believe the threshold isn't about Juniors, it's about starting his contract. If you play 10 games, that counts as an accrued season, whereas 9 does not. But, that's a very good question. I'll take a look at the CBA and see if I can find a good answer that confirms.

[FLPensFan]

According to Eliotte Friedman, the following Penguins are on waivers to go to the AHL:

Bemstrom, Clurman, Gruden, Koppanen, Kral, Ludvig, Poulin (PIT)

There was also a very interesting name on Anaheim that we should strongly consider claiming......Jansen Harkins!

Looks like Ryan Shea and Aho are getting the 7th and 8th d-man spots.