Ex-Penguins Update: January 20, 2022

As we approach the halfway point of the season, it seemed a good time to check on our ex-Penguins. Stats reflect games played through Tuesday, January 18.

The Blues’ David Perron missed some time due to an upper-body injury and relinquished his long-standing lead in the former Pens scoring parade. Phil Kessel (Arizona) has taken over the top spot with 26 points. “The Thrill” isn’t finding the back of the net much these days (only five goals) but he’s piled up 21 assists.

A player who is tickling the twine? Making the most of his wicked shot and lightning quick release, Seattle’s Jared McCann has 15 goals in just 33 games…a 30-plus goal pace for a full season. Perhaps GM Ron Hextall’s one clunker so far. Prospect Filip Hallander (a paltry three goals with the Baby Pens) is a poor return for McCann, but I digress.

Feisty fellow Kraken Brandon Tanev likewise was in the midst of a breakout season (nine goals) until he tore an ACL on December 18. Elsewhere, with 10 goals and 19 points in 31 games, Conor Sheary is enjoying a solid campaign for the Capitals. Patric Hornqvist (Florida) has rebounded from an ice-cold start in the Sunshine State. Ditto goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, whose numbers have steadily improved (.916 save percentage) following a horrific 1-7 debut for the Blackhawks. Alex Goligoski (Minnesota) continues to pace the expatriate blueliners with 21 points. “Go Go’s” tops overall with a plus-15.

In the “scoring lists make for strange bedfellows” department, former HBK Liners Nick Bonino (Sharks) and Carl Hagelin (Caps) are joined at the hip with seven points apiece. Each has played 38 games. The toughest guys on the block…Ryan Reaves of the Rangers and Calgary’s Erik Gudbranson…have six assists each.

A feel-good story worth noting. After serving a long apprenticeship in the minors and in Europe, one-time Pens hopeful Ethan Prow made his NHL debut with Buffalo on December 29 and scored on his first shot on goal. A talented if undersized defenseman with a flair for offense, Prow struck for 18 goals and 50 points for the Baby Pens in 2018-19. Although a coveted right-handed shot, the 29-year-old Minnesota native could never crack the black-and-gold lineup. Foot speed, or a lack of, was rumored to be the stumbling block, although Prow possesses a high hockey IQ and competes hard.

Congratulations to Ethan for fulfilling a dream and making it to the “show!”