2024 Rookie/Training Camp Thread

[Puck-Lurker]

Puustinen with the AHL group in practice.

The AHL lines look legit, at least.

[Daniel]

Really would like to see McGroarty get a shift or two with Sid and Rust in a scrimmage or god forbid a game!. Sully is so engrained in his ways. Kids can only play bottom 6 minutes in his mind these days.

Really hope KD steps up and acts like the boss this season.

Unfortunately, the only kids that really stepped up are the ones that were considered "further away," being Broz, Ponomarev, and Koivunen. Poulin crapped the bed. Nothing much from Puustinen. McGroarty...with his skating issue, I don't know if he'd work on a top line right now. Too many minutes and would likely get exposed. I wanted him to make the team, but I see the issue. He needs to improve those first few strides from a full stop. Let's hope he can do that this season.

Have you watched the preseason games enough to be able to judge a question? Do you think maybe Poulin is discouraged? Depending on his mental health issues, he might just be saying "screw it maybe I can get a chance somewhere else".

[KG]

[FLPensFan]

Really would like to see McGroarty get a shift or two with Sid and Rust in a scrimmage or god forbid a game!. Sully is so engrained in his ways. Kids can only play bottom 6 minutes in his mind these days.

Really hope KD steps up and acts like the boss this season.

Unfortunately, the only kids that really stepped up are the ones that were considered "further away," being Broz, Ponomarev, and Koivunen. Poulin crapped the bed. Nothing much from Puustinen. McGroarty...with his skating issue, I don't know if he'd work on a top line right now. Too many minutes and would likely get exposed. I wanted him to make the team, but I see the issue. He needs to improve those first few strides from a full stop. Let's hope he can do that this season.

Have you watched the preseason games enough to be able to judge a question? Do you think maybe Poulin is discouraged? Depending on his mental health issues, he might just be saying "screw it maybe I can get a chance somewhere else".

If he is discouraged, he's not saying anything about it publicly. He told the PG all the mental health stuff is behind him and this is the team he wants to play for: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2409250046

He's only played one preseason game, one I couldn't watch, and it was a bad game for him. After advocating for him for a few years, I see him as someone who doesn't stick around this organization and may wash out of the NHL systems completely. Fair or not, we brought in some younger veterans (Glass, Puljujarvi) who have seized the opportunity, and I think Puustinen, Ponomarev, McGroarty, and Broz have all passed Poulin on the depth chart.

I am by no means a scouting level resource on players, but, I think one thing I've learned about scouting players is, AHL performance alone can't be your lone attribute. Poulin and Zohorna are evidence of that. Poulin has done fairly well at the AHL level, with a little over half a point per game there. But, as I stated the other day...what is his standout attribute? When you look at Poulin, what jumps off the page at you to go wow, that's really good? During his draft year, he was called "husky" and a "power forward" by one draft ranking site. Poulin seems like a well rounded player that doesn't excel at anything. Zohorna was nearly a point per game player in the NHL but, other than having some size and some finishing ability...he also didn't excel in any one particular area.

I keep bringing it up, too, but, hard to notice that Poulin is one of only 3 NHL players taken in the 2019 first round who has yet to play in 10 NHL games. Ryan Suzuki (0) and Brayden Tracey (1) are the others. 10 players from 2019 first round have played 10-100 games, and 18 players have played 100 or more games, including 4 taken after Poulin.

Poulin turns 24 in February and is rocketing towards the draft bust label. Skating and consistency seem to be the biggest things holding him back.

[Daniel]

Really would like to see McGroarty get a shift or two with Sid and Rust in a scrimmage or god forbid a game!. Sully is so engrained in his ways. Kids can only play bottom 6 minutes in his mind these days.

Really hope KD steps up and acts like the boss this season.

Unfortunately, the only kids that really stepped up are the ones that were considered "further away," being Broz, Ponomarev, and Koivunen. Poulin crapped the bed. Nothing much from Puustinen. McGroarty...with his skating issue, I don't know if he'd work on a top line right now. Too many minutes and would likely get exposed. I wanted him to make the team, but I see the issue. He needs to improve those first few strides from a full stop. Let's hope he can do that this season.

Have you watched the preseason games enough to be able to judge a question? Do you think maybe Poulin is discouraged? Depending on his mental health issues, he might just be saying "screw it maybe I can get a chance somewhere else".

If he is discouraged, he's not saying anything about it publicly. He told the PG all the mental health stuff is behind him and this is the team he wants to play for: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2409250046

He's only played one preseason game, one I couldn't watch, and it was a bad game for him. After advocating for him for a few years, I see him as someone who doesn't stick around this organization and may wash out of the NHL systems completely. Fair or not, we brought in some younger veterans (Glass, Puljujarvi) who have seized the opportunity, and I think Puustinen, Ponomarev, McGroarty, and Broz have all passed Poulin on the depth chart.

I am by no means a scouting level resource on players, but, I think one thing I've learned about scouting players is, AHL performance alone can't be your lone attribute. Poulin and Zohorna are evidence of that. Poulin has done fairly well at the AHL level, with a little over half a point per game there. But, as I stated the other day...what is his standout attribute? When you look at Poulin, what jumps off the page at you to go wow, that's really good? During his draft year, he was called "husky" and a "power forward" by one draft ranking site. Poulin seems like a well rounded player that doesn't excel at anything. Zohorna was nearly a point per game player in the NHL but, other than having some size and some finishing ability...he also didn't excel in any one particular area.

I keep bringing it up, too, but, hard to notice that Poulin is one of only 3 NHL players taken in the 2019 first round who has yet to play in 10 NHL games. Ryan Suzuki (0) and Brayden Tracey (1) are the others. 10 players from 2019 first round have played 10-100 games, and 18 players have played 100 or more games, including 4 taken after Poulin.

Poulin turns 24 in February and is rocketing towards the draft bust label. Skating and consistency seem to be the biggest things holding him back.

I've also advocating to him but he's following the same trend a lot of young Penguin players follow, hit the wall at the AHL, then never get past it. I think the wall is Mike Sullivan and no competition for roster spots. Not to excuse the players, but there are a lot in similar situations. I'm glad his mental health issues are gone because that's more important than an NHL career. you just have to wonder if knowing they're one mistake from a demotion weighs hard on some players. The attitude then becomes "if nothing I do is good enough why try". Yes it's an immature attitude, but these are kids we're talking about. I hope I'm wrong but the trend backs up my opinion.

[dark_forces]

Has anyone heard anything about PTO defensemen Nikolai Knyzhov? I've heard nothing and am assuming he's just a camp body with NHL experience, but still, I'm curious.

[FLPensFan]

Has anyone heard anything about PTO defensemen Nikolai Knyzhov? I've heard nothing and am assuming he's just a camp body with NHL experience, but still, I'm curious.

https://triblive.com/sports/nikolai-kny ... efensemen/

[KG]

Canucks already put a couple of players on waivers today. Probably smart to try to sneak players through early while teams are still trying to figure out there own rosters.

[FLPensFan]

Kingerski has an article today about the 4th line. Seems like Lizotte and Acciari have bonded pretty quickly, and are hoping to play a little tough and physical as 2/3 of the 4th line. Kingerski mentioned that last year Acciari was stuck playing center almost all year, which isn't his best position. Acciari confirmed that when he's playing center, he is much more defensive minded, last guy to leave the zone, defense first type of player. On the wing, he says he can be much more physical, aggressive on the forecheck, and fly the zone quicker for offensive opportunities.

Here's hoping that Acciari surprises some of us and gets his name off the Penguin's fan whipping boy list.

[KG]

Kingerski has an article today about the 4th line. Seems like Lizotte and Acciari have bonded pretty quickly, and are hoping to play a little tough and physical as 2/3 of the 4th line. Kingerski mentioned that last year Acciari was stuck playing center almost all year, which isn't his best position. Acciari confirmed that when he's playing center, he is much more defensive minded, last guy to leave the zone, defense first type of player. On the wing, he says he can be much more physical, aggressive on the forecheck, and fly the zone quicker for offensive opportunities.

Here's hoping that Acciari surprises some of us and gets his name off the Penguin's fan whipping boy list.

I agree that Lizotte and Acciari would be a tough, hard to play against 4th line. That said, Lizotte is speedy and physical, that probably plays better to playing wing on Sully's system.

Lizotte-Eller-Acciari

Would be the 4th line I would start with.

Beauvillier-Hayes-Glass 3rd line. If McGroarty doesn't make the team.

[FLPensFan]

Kingerski has an article today about the 4th line. Seems like Lizotte and Acciari have bonded pretty quickly, and are hoping to play a little tough and physical as 2/3 of the 4th line. Kingerski mentioned that last year Acciari was stuck playing center almost all year, which isn't his best position. Acciari confirmed that when he's playing center, he is much more defensive minded, last guy to leave the zone, defense first type of player. On the wing, he says he can be much more physical, aggressive on the forecheck, and fly the zone quicker for offensive opportunities.

Here's hoping that Acciari surprises some of us and gets his name off the Penguin's fan whipping boy list.

I agree that Lizotte and Acciari would be a tough, hard to play against 4th line. That said, Lizotte is speedy and physical, that probably plays better to playing wing on Sully's system.

Lizotte-Eller-Acciari

Would be the 4th line I would start with.

Beauvillier-Hayes-Glass 3rd line. If McGroarty doesn't make the team.

I'll beat my dead horse...there's no way Puljujarvi should be an extra. I'd have him on 3RW to start. This is something Sullivan is going to have to figure out, because they have enough bodies where they aren't dressing a Jansen Harkins this year. Sullivan is going to need to learn to rotate guys in and out.

I think a couple of guys are going to have to rotate and move around in the bottom 6. Puljujarvi, Glass, and maybe Puustinen rotating on 3RW. Puljujarvi, Glass, Acciari on 4RW, Hayes, Eller, Lizotte switching around as the 3C and 4C, with even Glass in that mix.

Sullivan has options. He needs to use them, keep everyone fresh, keep everyone in game shape.

[Pens4Life]

Kingerski has an article today about the 4th line. Seems like Lizotte and Acciari have bonded pretty quickly, and are hoping to play a little tough and physical as 2/3 of the 4th line. Kingerski mentioned that last year Acciari was stuck playing center almost all year, which isn't his best position. Acciari confirmed that when he's playing center, he is much more defensive minded, last guy to leave the zone, defense first type of player. On the wing, he says he can be much more physical, aggressive on the forecheck, and fly the zone quicker for offensive opportunities.

Here's hoping that Acciari surprises some of us and gets his name off the Penguin's fan whipping boy list.

I agree that Lizotte and Acciari would be a tough, hard to play against 4th line. That said, Lizotte is speedy and physical, that probably plays better to playing wing on Sully's system.

Lizotte-Eller-Acciari

Would be the 4th line I would start with.

Beauvillier-Hayes-Glass 3rd line. If McGroarty doesn't make the team.

I'll beat my dead horse...there's no way Puljujarvi should be an extra. I'd have him on 3RW to start. This is something Sullivan is going to have to figure out, because they have enough bodies where they aren't dressing a Jansen Harkins this year. Sullivan is going to need to learn to rotate guys in and out.

I think a couple of guys are going to have to rotate and move around in the bottom 6. Puljujarvi, Glass, and maybe Puustinen rotating on 3RW. Puljujarvi, Glass, Acciari on 4RW, Hayes, Eller, Lizotte switching around as the 3C and 4C, with even Glass in that mix.

Sullivan has options. He needs to use them, keep everyone fresh, keep everyone in game shape.

Exactly my thoughts..

If Puljujarvi doesnt have opening night spot on 3rd or 4th line RW he should demand trade asap.. he deserves spot and preferable as 3rd liner..

Hayes - Eller - Puljujarvi should be as it stands atm, then followed with Lizotte/Beauvillier - Glass/Lizotte - Acciari..
Extra - one of 3 guys on 4th line and Puusty

[Puck-Lurker]

Kingerski has an article today about the 4th line. Seems like Lizotte and Acciari have bonded pretty quickly, and are hoping to play a little tough and physical as 2/3 of the 4th line. Kingerski mentioned that last year Acciari was stuck playing center almost all year, which isn't his best position. Acciari confirmed that when he's playing center, he is much more defensive minded, last guy to leave the zone, defense first type of player. On the wing, he says he can be much more physical, aggressive on the forecheck, and fly the zone quicker for offensive opportunities.

Here's hoping that Acciari surprises some of us and gets his name off the Penguin's fan whipping boy list.

I agree that Lizotte and Acciari would be a tough, hard to play against 4th line. That said, Lizotte is speedy and physical, that probably plays better to playing wing on Sully's system.

Lizotte-Eller-Acciari

Would be the 4th line I would start with.

Beauvillier-Hayes-Glass 3rd line. If McGroarty doesn't make the team.

I'll beat my dead horse...there's no way Puljujarvi should be an extra. I'd have him on 3RW to start. This is something Sullivan is going to have to figure out, because they have enough bodies where they aren't dressing a Jansen Harkins this year. Sullivan is going to need to learn to rotate guys in and out.

I think a couple of guys are going to have to rotate and move around in the bottom 6. Puljujarvi, Glass, and maybe Puustinen rotating on 3RW. Puljujarvi, Glass, Acciari on 4RW, Hayes, Eller, Lizotte switching around as the 3C and 4C, with even Glass in that mix.

Sullivan has options. He needs to use them, keep everyone fresh, keep everyone in game shape.

Exactly my thoughts..

If Puljujarvi doesnt have opening night spot on 3rd or 4th line RW he should demand trade asap.. he deserves spot and preferable as 3rd liner..

Hayes - Eller - Puljujarvi should be as it stands atm, then followed with Lizotte/Beauvillier - Glass/Lizotte - Acciari..
Extra - one of 3 guys on 4th line and Puusty

Hayes-Eller-Glass/Puljujärvi
Beauvilier-Lizotte-Puljujärvi/Glass
xPuustinen, xAcciari

Hayes, Eller, Glass, Puljujärvi should be on the roster. Beauvilier probably too. I figure you try Lizotte at C.

I don't find Acciari an interesting option tbh

[100565]

Remember- Sully consistently restructures line combos. Nauseating!

I’d imagine lines 3-4 will change often. Especially beginning of the year.

[Cow_Master66]

Listening to DK's pod this morning, he doesn't think there's a chance that McGroarty makes the team out of camp. He likes what he sees, but doesn't see him making the team yet. If that's the case, my chances of winning our lineup contest take a big hit lol

I want to see McGroarty play with some skilled players. I also want to see him play with more confidence and physicality. Maybe going down to WBS playing top line minutes, and hopefully dominate will be good for his development.

I liked what I saw out of Hayes last night. He dominated and looked smooth out there. I would definitely put him at 3C over Eller.

I should have took that 10k/1 best I was offered a few weeks ago....could have made a dollar.

[FLPensFan]

Per Taylor Haase, Nikolai Knyzhov was released from his PTO.

[netwolf]

I suppose since training camp used to b my playground, I should at least make an appearance here even things conspired to limit me to two days of camp this year. I'm not going to bother re-hashing anything I saw (you can't draw much from 2 days anyhow), so I guess I will re-hash something semi-related regarding how much competition there supposedly is in this camp. As Obi-wan Kenobi said, that's true... from a certain point of view.

I think there's only competition as far as who slots where, and not as far as making the team (barring trades/injuries).

Up front, they've got Crosby, Malkin, Rust, Rakell, Bunting, Hayes, Glass, Eller, Lizotte, Acciari, Beauvillier, and O'Connor. Nieto is still recovering and figures to start on IR. Assuming they carry 13 forwards, there's one spot open for guys like Puustinen and Puljujarvi, or rookies like McGroarty, Ponomarev, Broz, Koivunen, or whomever your favorite prospect is. Never been a fan of carrying a young guy as the 13th though; they need to play.

I don't want to hear the "Sully hates youth" trope either. With this kind of roster where a young guy has to not only outplay a vet, by do so by such a margin that the GM who acquired said vet would waive him and justify a NHL salary in the minors, said young guy has virtually no shot, and it's not because of the coach. Sure, Sully has input into the roster, but at the end of the day Dubas assembled it.

The D corps isn't much different with Karlsson, Letang, Graves, Pettersson, and Grzelcyk leaving 2 spots (assuming they carry 7). St. Ivany showed well enough that you'd think he's got one of them. That leaves one spot open for Aho, Shea, Ludvig, or whomever. Two if they keep 8 for some reason or if Karlsson's mystery ailment lingers on.

TLDR; there is definitely competition for roster slots; roster spots, though? Not so much.

[Maestro]

Listening to DK's pod this morning, he doesn't think there's a chance that McGroarty makes the team out of camp. He likes what he sees, but doesn't see him making the team yet. If that's the case, my chances of winning our lineup contest take a big hit lol

I want to see McGroarty play with some skilled players. I also want to see him play with more confidence and physicality. Maybe going down to WBS playing top line minutes, and hopefully dominate will be good for his development.

I liked what I saw out of Hayes last night. He dominated and looked smooth out there. I would definitely put him at 3C over Eller.

I should have took that 10k/1 best I was offered a few weeks ago....could have made a dollar.

Yep, gotta bet to win.

[Puck-Lurker]

Sullivan doesn't trust players below 25 years old to do anything rather than skate around, try not to get scored on five minutes a game on the fourth line. It's a well-established pattern.

GMKD should very definitely waive people on NHL contracts and call up replacements as needed. If he won't, fire him. You give the guys you signed a good look, while the kids can get some ice in WBS. Your 'vets' have a ticking clock behind their name if they don't perform.

I can almost guarantee you that one of Beauvilier, Lizotte, Acciari and Glass will suck enough at some point and for long enough to merit demotion from the roster. That should get them traded or waived for... literally anyone in WBS that's trending in the right direction. If they have an NHL contract, they can be justified to play there and the buried salary, meh, that's kinda moot after they've had time to prove they're worth their contract.

[Wyopen]

It’s interesting that Murashov is not scheduled to play in either of the weekend games. What gives?

[BurghThing]

It’s interesting that Murashov is not scheduled to play in either of the weekend games. What gives?

Sully doesn't like him.

[100565]

Sullivan doesn't trust players below 25 years old to do anything rather than skate around, try not to get scored on five minutes a game on the fourth line. It's a well-established pattern.

GMKD should very definitely waive people on NHL contracts and call up replacements as needed. If he won't, fire him. You give the guys you signed a good look, while the kids can get some ice in WBS. Your 'vets' have a ticking clock behind their name if they don't perform.

I can almost guarantee you that one of Beauvilier, Lizotte, Acciari and Glass will suck enough at some point and for long enough to merit demotion from the roster. That should get them traded or waived for... literally anyone in WBS that's trending in the right direction. If they have an NHL contract, they can be justified to play there and the buried salary, meh, that's kinda moot after they've had time to prove they're worth their contract.

I agree 100%.

I was hoping young guys ala Puustinin or Poulin or McGroarty would force their way onto the roster and the Pens waive Hayes. That did not happen. None of the young guys seized the opportunity to force change.

I agree that one of the “ Beauvilier, Lizotte, Acciari and Glass will suck enough at some point and for long enough to merit demotion from the roster.” I hope Puustinin (who may make it if they keep 14 f) Poulin or McG play well enough in AHL to make it an easy decision.

[FLPensFan]

Sullivan doesn't trust players below 25 years old to do anything rather than skate around, try not to get scored on five minutes a game on the fourth line. It's a well-established pattern.

GMKD should very definitely waive people on NHL contracts and call up replacements as needed. If he won't, fire him. You give the guys you signed a good look, while the kids can get some ice in WBS. Your 'vets' have a ticking clock behind their name if they don't perform.

I can almost guarantee you that one of Beauvilier, Lizotte, Acciari and Glass will suck enough at some point and for long enough to merit demotion from the roster. That should get them traded or waived for... literally anyone in WBS that's trending in the right direction. If they have an NHL contract, they can be justified to play there and the buried salary, meh, that's kinda moot after they've had time to prove they're worth their contract.

I agree 100%.

I was hoping young guys ala Puustinin or Poulin or McGroarty would force their way onto the roster and the Pens waive Hayes. That did not happen. None of the young guys seized the opportunity to force change.

I agree that one of the “ Beauvilier, Lizotte, Acciari and Glass will suck enough at some point and for long enough to merit demotion from the roster.” I hope Puustinin (who may make it if they keep 14 f) Poulin or McG play well enough in AHL to make it an easy decision.

McGroarty is playing both games this weekend. Pouiln is in one, Puustinen is playing in the other. While I have long thought they would go 14F, 7D, with Karlsson still out, that increases the chances they carry 8D to start the season.

[KG]

Looks like Puustinen getting top line tonight. McGroarty with AHL potential linemates.

[Ericf]

Looks like Puustinen getting top line tonight. McGroarty with AHL potential linemates.

At least Puustinen is getting a shot: probably only one and if he doesn’t score a goal tonight, he’s gone. That’s Sullivan’s standards for him. He already said it: he has to be scoring goals. Too bad no other player contending for a roster spot has such exacting standards and are required to score goals, not just help generate offense. It is the height of hypocrisy that this team is the lowest finishing club in the league and employed people like Harkins in the bottom six but Puustinen has to score goals or he’s waived. F off Sullivan.