Penguins Update: Gudbranson Signs with Calgary

Since I’ve been a huge proponent of signing Erik Gudbranson, I feel it’s my sworn duty to report that he reached an agreement with Calgary on Friday…a one-year deal for $1.95 million. Frankly, way out of the Pens’ tenuous financial ballpark. I expected the big defenseman to sign for around $1 million (if not on a PTO), which would’ve been much more palatable for the black and gold. Not that we outwardly expressed any interest in him.

A positive if there is any? At least Gudbranson didn’t sign with the Capitals, who as an organization have the good sense to value muscle. But it pretty much leaves us without any viable options to add physicality to a defensive corps sorely in need of some.

For the record, Zdeno Chara remains unsigned. The mammoth 6’9″, 250-pounder would certainly take care of the Pens’ enforcement needs while adding a ton of leadership and other intangibles. FYI: he played for the league minimum with the Caps last season albeit with bonuses. However, at this stage of his career the 44-year-old defender is a glacial skater and a left-handed shot, while our need is on the right side. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine the Pens or more specifically…Mike Sullivan…having any interest.

Bullish on Bozak?

Speaking of interest, the Pens have been linked to former Maple Leafs and Blues center Tyler Bozak. Solid defensively, excellent on faceoffs and a strong possession player, Bozak also possesses a bit of a scoring touch, notching 167 goals over his 764-game NHL career. In fact, he centered a line for our old friend and brother-in-arms Phil Kessel when the pair played in Toronto. He’s also a coveted right-hand shot and a former Stanley Cup winner with the Blues.

At age 35, you wonder how much the 6’1″, 199-pounder has left in the tank, especially since his Corsi for in all situations (40.9) nose-dived sharply last season compared to his impressive career mark of 52.7. But Bozak could be a solid add…if the price is right.

Pens Hire Goalie Coaches

In an organizational move, the Pens swung a two-fer, hiring Charles Grant and Kain Tisi to serve as co-goaltending development coaches. The tandem replaces Andy Chiodo, promoted to coach the Pens’ netminders in August.

Grant and Tisi will work with the organization’s stable of goaltending prospects, which include Joel Blomqvist, Calle Clang, Alex D’Orio and recent high-profile signing Filip Lindberg. The duo will also scout draft-eligible and college free-agent goaltenders.

The 29-year-old Grant served as goaltending coach of the Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the past three seasons. Tisi, 36, served in the same capacity with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League for the last seven seasons.