Ex-Penguins Update: November 6, 2021

Curious about how our former Penguins were faring, I decided it was time for an ex-Penguins Update. Stats reflect games played through Friday, November 5.

I confess. At this stage of the campaign, it’s much ado about nothing. While a handful of expatriates are shining, most are quietly filling support roles for their current clubs, much as they did here.

The Blues’ David Perron tops the list with six goals and 10 points. I’m still scratching my head over how this guy got so good. Or more to the point, why he didn’t work out in the ‘Burgh.

Out west, Jared McCann and Brandon Tanev have caught lightning in a bottle with expansion Seattle. The former, presently on the shelf due to illness, has three goals and seven points. With six goals Tanev, our beloved “Turbo,” has been a goal-scoring revelation.

Much-travelled (and maligned) Erik Gudbranson is playing really solid defense for Calgary. The big guy seems to have found a fit, similar to his time in the Steel City. On the flip side, Marc-Andre Fleury is off to a disastrous start with the Blackhawks. Rumored to be on the trading block, Phil Kessel (Arizona) has one blocked shot and two hits in 11 games. Lol. Gotta love “The Thrill.”

Other than that? As the saying goes, politics make for strange bedfellows. The same goes for this list.

Backline thumpers Gudbranson and Jamie Oleksiak (Seattle) are tied with four points each. What I wouldn’t give to have one (or both) patrolling our blue line.

Well down the list, separated by one slot are Jack Johnson (Colorado) and Justin Schultz (Washington), our erstwhile third-pairing from a couple of seasons back. Each has a goal. Below them, Robert Bortuzzo (St. Louis) and Ian Cole (Carolina) are likewise separated by a slot. They were traded for each other in 2015.

Wedged in between is Cody Ceci, who seems to be playing back to his previous form in Edmonton following a stellar season with the Pens.

Near the bottom you have Scott Harrington and Olli Maatta, once projected to be black-and-gold stars but now filling fringe roles. Just above Nick Bonino, off to his typical ice-cold start with San Jose. And Ryan Reaves, injured in the Big Apple and ensconced among the goalies.