Penguins Update: Hextall’s Done a (Much) Better Job Than I Thought

This post could also be titled Eating Crow—Part (I forget how many times I’ve had to do this now…lol).

Although I’ve never played the sport, having been a rabid fan for close to 50 years (and having a bit of an ego) I like to think I know a little something about hockey. In particular, the mix of players required to build a successful team.

Along those lines, I posted a couple of articles following the expansion draft and start of free agency questioning general manager Ron Hextall’s moves. I was quite dismayed that he hadn’t added the size/power element I felt we needed to compete in an NHL that’s trending back toward a heavier game.

I was okay with re-upping Evan Rodrigues, who grew on me last season, and adding free-agent forward Brock McGinn, although I would’ve much preferred ex-Bruins and present Maple Leafs power forward Nick Ritchie and made no bones about it.

In particular, Hextall’s signings of Danton Heinen, whose numbers had been declining since a strong rookie season with Boston in 2017-18, and ex-Pen Dominik Simon left me stone cold. Especially since neither brought a hint of the physicality I felt we needed.

Reality check 1. In six games Ritchie’s a minus-three with no points and five shots. He does have 16 hits. McGinn has a goal and four points in five games to go with a plus-three and 10 hits. If he’s not exactly making me forget Brandon Tanev, the former ‘Cane’s carving out an identity as a responsible two-way player with a bit of sand.

Reality check 2. Heinen’s been terrific. Following a strong preseason, he scored goals in each of his first three games for the locals and presently leads the team in scoring with five points. He’s fast, skilled, versatile and smart, with a knack for arriving at the right place at just the right time. Someone (can’t remember who) referred to him as a “stealth” player. I agree. A steal at $1.1 million.

Reality check 3. Rodrigues and Simon have been better than imagined. Filling in as the top-line center, the former tallied a goal and an assist in the recent rout of Toronto. E-Rod’s tied for the team lead in scoring (3+2). With four points (1+3) Simon’s been solid thus far in limited ice time. He made a really nice, under-the-radar play on the Pens’ sixth goal the other night, picking Jason Spezza’s pocket and quickly transitioning to offense before setting up Brian Boyle with a pretty saucer pass.

Hextall’s other additions since taking the GM reins have worked out equally well. With four points in four games, Jeff Carter’s picked up right where he left off last spring. Waiver pickup Mark Friedman’s proving to be an astute addition. He’s fearless, feisty and surprisingly good at jumping into the play. He’s been on the ice for 58 shots attempts for and only 36 against at 5v5, the best mark (no pun intended) among black-and-gold defenders.

Oh, uber-promising goaltending prospect Filip Lindberg has posted a microscopic 0.98 goals against average and .968 save percentage in his first two games for the Baby Pens (both wins). And Boyle is proving to be an inspirational not to mention much-needed physical presence on the fourth line.

Yes, it’s early and there’s a lot of season left. And it’s entirely possible that some (or all) of the newcomers will fizzle before all is said and done. But for now, I’d say Hextall’s batting 1.000 with his moves. All the more impressive when you consider how little cap space he had to work with entering the offseason.

Okay. Pass the crow please.