Ex-Penguins Update: December 27, 2022

I thought I’d take advantage of the holiday break and check on our Penguins alum. Stats are updated for games played through Monday, December 26.

Overall, it’s been a good season for ex-Pens. As the numbers will attest, quite a few are enjoying solid seasons in their new homes.

David Perron (Detroit), who’s been productive everywhere it seems but the ‘Burgh, tops the list in assists (15) and points (26). The “Seattle Five” have played an integral role in the Kraken’s sudden assent. With 16 goals, Jared McCann has evolved in a full-blown sniper thanks to his lethal wrist shot and release. Justin Schultz leads the former Pens defensemen in points (17). Feisty Brandon Tanev has the best plus/minus (plus-15). Jamie Oleksiak provides muscle on ‘d.’

Arguably the biggest surprise? Daniel Sprong. The former second-round pick (pictured above) has 10 goals and 19 points in 25 games while averaging just 10:37 of ice time. He’s fourth in the league in points per 60 minutes (3.42) among players who’ve appeared in more than 10 games and second in goals/60. McCann’s first.

Elsewhere, a host of players are enjoying solid campaigns, including Conor Sheary (Washington), Jordan Staal (Carolina) and Calen Addison and Frederick Gaudreau of the Wild. With seven goals and 17 points, journeyman Stefan Noesen has found a home with the ‘Canes.

In the “birds of a feather flock together” department, Stanley Cup defensemen Ian Cole (Tampa Bay) and Olli Maatta (Detroit) have identical scoring lines (three goals and 12 points each). Paisans Nick Bonino and John Marino (having an excellent season with the Devils) are tied with nine points. Physical defensemen Erik Gudbranson (Columbus) and Oleksiak are grouped together as well.

Speaking of tough guys, the resurgent Wild are 10-4 since acquiring “Sheriff” Ryan Reaves from the Rangers.

In goal, Ottawa washout Matt Murray has resurrected his career in Toronto. Fellow Sens stablemate Filip Gustavsson is developing following a rocky start with the Wild.