2023 Training Camp thread

[Puck-Lurker]

I mean we may have to pay jmfc but if the coach had any brains they just wouldn't dress him. Seems like we should just treat him as dead cat space from a buyout or retention.

I'd give just about our entire cabal of bottom sixers a shot over Carter on a fourth line. The man is a roster slot and 3.25M of dead cap. If he's good for anything else, I'll be surprised.

If they insist on playing him 4C, I'd rather he eat nachos.

[FLPensFan]

So, there are just practice groups for informal (non-coached sessions; although Ty Hennes has been there), but, there is a very clear grouping of players between NHL and AHL.

The NHL grouping has all the players you would expect (Crosby, Malkin, Rust, etc). Essentially our top 9 and top 4 d-men, plus Jarry, Nedeljkovic, and Hellberg. If you want to glean anything from fringe players...Hinostroza, Pitlick, Zohorna, and Nylander are all skating with this group. On defense, Pysyk, Smith, Friedman, and Ryan Shea are skating with the NHL group.

There's nobody in the AHL group that I look at and say, oh, they should be with the NHL guys. Also nothing about trying to even up the groups, as the NHL group has 8 defenseman to the AHL group having only 5.

Also, I believe the total count of players here early is up to 50. Only guys not here yet are Letang, Graves, Colin White, Johnsson, and Hajek.

[Three Stars]

Your boy Puustinen is reportedly having a great time at these skates. Now would be a good time for him to show a little somethin’ and grab ahold of Guentzel’s spot as the offensively inclined top 6 winger until Jake heals up.

[dark_forces]

Is it just me, or in prior years wouldn't training camp have kicked off this Saturday? Why are they pushing back the start date into next week?
I honestly wish they would start the season on Oct. 5 like they did for so long. During the telecast, I recall the announcers mentioning that it was also Lemieux's birthday. It just seemed fitting.

[FLPensFan]

Is it just me, or in prior years wouldn't training camp have kicked off this Saturday? Why are they pushing back the start date into next week?
I honestly wish they would start the season on Oct. 5 like they did for so long. During the telecast, I recall the announcers mentioning that it was also Lemieux's birthday. It just seemed fitting.

You are correct. In normal seasons (non-pandemic), training camps usually started between the 10th to the 15th.

I think overall, coaches/players are pushing for less practices. Morning skates are very optional these days, and I think the amount of practices before pre-season games start is also very minimal.

[jeffshly]

I’m having issues finding a training camp schedule. When does it open and what dates are open to the public.

[BlackNGold4Life]

Prospects game streaming now.

[KG]

Prospects game streaming now.

Great to see hockey again. It was a long off-season!

Poulin and Yager scored I saw. Here's to hoping Yager and Poulin could be our 2nd and 3rd Center of the future.

[Wyopen]

Why aren’t there any reports on the prospect challenge games? I remember in years past there was always a separate thread. It would be nice to know how they are doing. Anyone with updates?

[Three Stars]

Why aren’t there any reports on the prospect challenge games? I remember in years past there was always a separate thread. It would be nice to know how they are doing. Anyone with updates?

If you want a thread to exist, make a thread. You know what they say about being the change you want to see in the world. There’s no thread police.

Honestly, this place will rise or fall based on the willingness of its active members to contribute.

[FLPensFan]

Why aren’t there any reports on the prospect challenge games? I remember in years past there was always a separate thread. It would be nice to know how they are doing. Anyone with updates?

Since his site is mainly free now, I'd recommend going over to DKPittsburghSports. They seem to be the only outlet paying much attention to the prospects.

Summary of yesterday's game: https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/live ... pdates-tlh

And here's the running live blog where they throw out Penguins camp/dev camp stuff: https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/live ... st-2023-dk

Seems like the live file for the Friday night game has disappeared.

But the basic updates I've seen:

--Blomqvist looked really good the other game, stopping 12 of 14 shots.
--Yager looked good in Game 2.
--Poulin looks like he never missed any time last year and should be pushing for a callup early.
--The throw in prospect we got with Karlsson, Dillon Hamaliuk, had two goals yesterday. Sounds like he looked really good, and there was elaboration that he didn't play much or at all last year because he had hip surgery. Now that he is fully recovered, seems to be showing very well.

[BlackNGold4Life]

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[Wyopen]

Thanks FlPF and BnG. In response to three stars, why would I start a new thread if I had NO information? There are people on this board such as you two who have better information sources. I was just looking for updates if anyone had them. In the past people were criticized for starting new posts so I asked under training camp thread. That’s appropriate, isn’t it?

[Three Stars]

In the past people were criticized for starting new posts so I asked under training camp thread. That’s appropriate, isn’t it?

Don't worry about the past. We're in the present, where there's no problem with starting new threads. I want it to be easier to find information on topics.

[KG]

In the past people were criticized for starting new posts so I asked under training camp thread. That’s appropriate, isn’t it?

Don't worry about the past. We're in the present, where there's no problem with starting new threads. I want it to be easier to find information on topics.

Where's Netwolf when we need him?

[Three Stars]

In the past people were criticized for starting new posts so I asked under training camp thread. That’s appropriate, isn’t it?

Don't worry about the past. We're in the present, where there's no problem with starting new threads. I want it to be easier to find information on topics.

Where's Netwolf when we need him?

He's still active on the artist formerly known as Twitter.

[FLPensFan]

From the reports I read, it seemed like both Poulin and Yager really stood out for the Penguins at the development camp tourney, as well as goalies Taylor Gauthier and Joel Blomqvist.

Poulin should have stood out, because he really isn't much of a development prospect at this point. But his age still allowed him to play, and with missing most of last season, the Penguins wanted to see him in action. He didn't disappoint, and solidified the stance that he will likely be a mid-season callup or an early callup anytime a center goes down. Good to see he really hasn't missed a beat after his mental health absence.

Yager is the Penguins best forward prospect, and it showed. I think the first game was rather non-descript for him...didn't do anything bad but didn't stand out in a good way, either. But he did some damage in the Saturday and Monday games, showed off his shot and his overall skill.

Some good news on the Penguins limited prospect front. Let's hope Poulin can build on his strong tourney and have a strong NHL camp, too.

[Daniel]

From the reports I read, it seemed like both Poulin and Yager really stood out for the Penguins at the development camp tourney, as well as goalies Taylor Gauthier and Joel Blomqvist.

Poulin should have stood out, because he really isn't much of a development prospect at this point. But his age still allowed him to play, and with missing most of last season, the Penguins wanted to see him in action. He didn't disappoint, and solidified the stance that he will likely be a mid-season callup or an early callup anytime a center goes down. Good to see he really hasn't missed a beat after his mental health absence.

Yager is the Penguins best forward prospect, and it showed. I think the first game was rather non-descript for him...didn't do anything bad but didn't stand out in a good way, either. But he did some damage in the Saturday and Monday games, showed off his shot and his overall skill.

Some good news on the Penguins limited prospect front. Let's hope Poulin can build on his strong tourney and have a strong NHL camp, too.

I'm looking for Poulin to force his way onto the opening day roster.

I think it'd be a good thing if Poulin earns a 3C position. DOC-Poulin-Acciari as a 3rd line (presuming Poulin earns it and shows the potential to score at an NHL 3C level) might be a very nice line.

[Pitts]

From the reports I read, it seemed like both Poulin and Yager really stood out for the Penguins at the development camp tourney, as well as goalies Taylor Gauthier and Joel Blomqvist.

Poulin should have stood out, because he really isn't much of a development prospect at this point. But his age still allowed him to play, and with missing most of last season, the Penguins wanted to see him in action. He didn't disappoint, and solidified the stance that he will likely be a mid-season callup or an early callup anytime a center goes down. Good to see he really hasn't missed a beat after his mental health absence.

Yager is the Penguins best forward prospect, and it showed. I think the first game was rather non-descript for him...didn't do anything bad but didn't stand out in a good way, either. But he did some damage in the Saturday and Monday games, showed off his shot and his overall skill.

Some good news on the Penguins limited prospect front. Let's hope Poulin can build on his strong tourney and have a strong NHL camp, too.

I'm looking for Poulin to force his way onto the opening day roster.

I think it'd be a good thing if Poulin earns a 3C position. DOC-Poulin-Acciari as a 3rd line (presuming Poulin earns it and shows the potential to score at an NHL 3C level) might be a very nice line.

If Poulin still has waiver eligibility, I just don't see it happening with so many vets in camp.

[KG]

Prospect tournament. Pens beat Buffalo 3-0 yesterday. Poulin and Yager scored again. Great to see. Blomqvist with the shutout. Good summary below.

https://www.wbspenguins.com/2023/09/18/ ... %20evening" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

[Pitts]

Prospect tournament. Pens beat Buffalo 3-0 yesterday. Poulin and Yager scored again. Great to see. Blomqvist with the shutout. Good summary below.

https://www.wbspenguins.com/2023/09/18/ ... %20evening" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

Just came to post DK Sports write up on the prospects. Good info here: https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/2023 ... joshua-tlh" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Daniel]

From the reports I read, it seemed like both Poulin and Yager really stood out for the Penguins at the development camp tourney, as well as goalies Taylor Gauthier and Joel Blomqvist.

Poulin should have stood out, because he really isn't much of a development prospect at this point. But his age still allowed him to play, and with missing most of last season, the Penguins wanted to see him in action. He didn't disappoint, and solidified the stance that he will likely be a mid-season callup or an early callup anytime a center goes down. Good to see he really hasn't missed a beat after his mental health absence.

Yager is the Penguins best forward prospect, and it showed. I think the first game was rather non-descript for him...didn't do anything bad but didn't stand out in a good way, either. But he did some damage in the Saturday and Monday games, showed off his shot and his overall skill.

Some good news on the Penguins limited prospect front. Let's hope Poulin can build on his strong tourney and have a strong NHL camp, too.

I'm looking for Poulin to force his way onto the opening day roster.

I think it'd be a good thing if Poulin earns a 3C position. DOC-Poulin-Acciari as a 3rd line (presuming Poulin earns it and shows the potential to score at an NHL 3C level) might be a very nice line.

If Poulin still has waiver eligibility, I just don't see it happening with so many vets in camp.

Probably not, but Dubas said it won't matter and most of the new vets are for $1M and below so no big deal on the waiver thing. They'll probably max the veteran limit at WBS so some are going to not be part of the organization soon, what's some plus 1 if Poulin earns a spot.

He'll have to come out of camp looking like an All Star and be heads and shoulder above the competition though.

[Antonio]

I just think all this is academic because I have zero expectation that lord Sullivan actually gives anyone a chance that isn't some useless veteran who waxes his car for him on the weekends. Hope I'm wrong but I just don't expect any genuine real chances and changes in personnel usage unless he's FORCED based on, well his entire tenure.

[BlackNGold4Life]

I think DK playing is it safe. Yager definitely showed some flashes. He could have had 2-3 in the last game. He transports the puck well.

Players not mentioned I thought stood out in good way, not mentioned.

Evan Vierling - seem to have good hands, great skater - and a scoring touch. Great signing - high upside low risk. Mostly noticed him offensively.

Isaac Belliveau - looked like a 4/5 offensive defensemen at times. Good size and skating and breaks out well- albeit sometimes a little sloppy with his execution - he has allot to like about his game.

Both guys I’d say should be in the top 5-7 prospects.

I watched 75% of all three games.

[Daniel]

I think DK playing is it safe. Yager definitely showed some flashes. He could have had 2-3 in the last game. He transports the puck well.

Players not mentioned I thought stood out in good way, not mentioned.

Evan Vierling - seem to have good hands, great skater - and a scoring touch. Great signing - high upside low risk. Mostly noticed him offensively.

Isaac Belliveau - looked like a 4/5 offensive defensemen at times. Good size and skating and breaks out well- albeit sometimes a little sloppy with his execution - he has allot to like about his game.

Both guys I’d say should be in the top 5-7 prospects.

I watched 75% of all three games.

I'm hoping for Jagger Joshua.....give him 68, call him Yagger Yoshua, have him wear a mullet. What could possibly go wrong?