Penguins Update: Could Simon See Top Line Duty?

It’s a thought that seemed more remote than…say…the Andromeda Galaxy as recently as a few days ago. But with Bryan Rust out week-to-week with a lower-body injury and Sidney Crosby due to come off IR soon? It’s a very strong possibility that Dominik Simon could find himself slotted in on the starboard side of the top line next to El Sid and Jake Guentzel…at least until Rust returns.

Yes, Pens skipper Mike Sullivan will have other options, most notably Kasperi Kapanen and Evan Rodrigues. But “Kappy” and Crosby haven’t displayed especially good chemistry. And “E-Rod,” who’s generally done a good job of plugging gaps up and down the lineup, seemed in over his head skating alongside No. 87 at the beginning of last season.

When you consider that Crosby likes to play with Simon, not to mention the fact that Sullivan thinks highly of him? Well, it doesn’t take an advanced degree in rocket science to connect the dots…

To be clear, I’m not necessarily advocating such a move. In fact, few screeched longer and louder in protest than I when the Pens signed Simon on the first day of free agency following a season in exile in the Great White North (Calgary), where the Czech forward underwhelmed to the tune of no points in 11 eminently forgettable games.

However, give credit where credit is due. Anything but a lock to make the team after signing a two-way contract at the league minimum, Simon came to training camp focused and ready to compete for a spot. While others failed to make an impression, the 5’11” 190-pounder seized the opportunity with both hands, notching two goals and an assist in five preseason games to go with some decent underlying numbers (58.42 Corsi, 62.5 Expected Goals %). Although not noted for his physical play, he stuck his nose in to the tune of seven hits.

Simon’s solid and surprisingly productive play has continued into the start of the regular season. Through three games he’s tallied a goal and two assists, including the game-winner against Tampa Bay, while averaging a shade under a dozen minutes a game skating predominantly on a line with Teddy Blueger and Brock McGinn.

He’s been pretty much as advertised, using his speed and making smart little plays in traffic to get his teammates the puck. To my eye he’s been more intent, competitive, and less perimeter than during his initial go-round with the black and gold. As if he fully appreciates the second-chance opportunity he’s been given.

Needless to say, his good work hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

“Dom was really good,” Sullivan said following a preseason loss to Detroit on October 7. “Not only did he score a goal, but I thought he was stiff on the puck all night. He makes plays, and wins puck battles and he makes plays out of traffic.”

All of which seems to dovetail nicely with Sid’s “skilled grinder” game.

This isn’t to suggest in any way, shape or form the 27-year-old is a long-term solution as Crosby’s wing. But as a short-term fix?

The Pens could do worse and maybe not a whole lot better.