Penguins Update: The Development Game

As with any sport, player development in hockey isn’t an exact science. Far from it. Indeed, Penguins history is littered with first-round picks who didn’t pan out. For every Sidney Crosby, there’s an Angelo Esposito. For every Evgeni Malkin, a Konstantin Koltsov. For every Marc-Andre Fleury? A Craig Hillier.

Ever heard of Gordie Laxton, Stefan Bergkvist or Chris Wells?

First-rounders all.

On the flip side, the Pens have gleaned more than their share of talent in the later rounds. Kris Letang (62^nd overall), Ryan Malone (115^th) and top-line bookends Jake Guentzel (77^th) and Bryan Rust (80^th) are prime examples.

Why do some players develop while others don’t? Obviously, much depends on the individual and how well they adapt to the pro game, which can be quite a challenge. Last season erstwhile junior hockey stars Samuel Poulin and Nathan Legare struggled at times to adjust to the rigors and speed of the pro game, especially the latter. Unless you’re a gifted generational talent like Mario Lemieux, you can no longer rely solely on ability to dominate opponents. A player must develop the details in his game in order to succeed.

Another key factor? Opportunity. Are players given a fair shake? Does a coach show confidence in them and use them accordingly?

Rust is a classic example of a player who was afforded the chance to fully develop. A good player but hardly a star at Notre Dame, Rusty was projected to be a fourth-line energy player…if he made it to the NHL. There was nothing in his performance at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton early on to alter that perception.

Indeed, when he was called up to the Pens during the 2015-16 season, his numbers with the Baby Pens were hardly dazzling…three goals and six points in 16 games to go with a minus-five. Yet Rust gained traction, thanks in no small part to the faith coach Mike Sullivan placed in him. The hustling winger gradually evolved into…if not a full-blown star…a very good NHL player capable of filling a variety of roles.

Certainly Rust’s intangibles, including a non-stop motor and sled-dog tenacity, played a huge part, as did his underrated skill set. And credit Rusty for seizing the opportunity presented to him.

Unfortunately, in terms of developing young players, that was then and this is now. Initially, I thought Sullivan did a very good job of cultivating the kids…Conor Sheary, Tom Kuhnhackl and especially Rust and Guentzel come to mind. Matt Murray, too. However, there’s been a drop-off in that area over the past few seasons. Actually, ever since we won those back-to-back Cups.

While Sullivan and his staff shoulder some of the blame, the fact that the Pens as an organization have been in win-now mode for quite some time has severely restricted the opportunities afforded to youth. There’s a tendency to plug holes with veterans who have a proven track record over kids who might make a rookie blunder at a crucial juncture. Hall-of-Fame GM Craig Patrick operated in much the same manner in the mid-to-late 1990s.

Yet something’s lost when something’s gained. Have the Pens whiffed on opportunities to develop another Rust?

Maybe.

I’m thinking specifically of power forward Anthony Angello (pictured above), who recently signed a free-agent deal with St. Louis after washing out with the Pens. Actually, washing out may be a bit harsh. Angello was never really afforded an opportunity to fully display his wares. Over three seasons with the Pens, he skated in 31 games and produced three goals and five points. Less-than-inspired production, for sure. So was the 7:13 of ATOI he received.

For the sake of comparison, Rust had five goals in his first 55 games with the black and gold while averaging over a dozen minutes of ice time.

Obviously, there’s a chicken or egg element to all of this. To gain confidence and trust from a coaching staff you have to earn it. At the same time, you have to be given the opportunity to earn it. I’m not sure if Angello was. Especially from a coach who seems to have an aversion to bigger players, which the 6’5” 210-pound native of Manlius, New York most assuredly is.

I’m not suggesting Angelo would’ve morphed into another Rust, capable of top-line duty. But a rugged bottom-sixer in the Brian Boyle mold with decent speed for his size, capable of notching 10-12 goals?

I could see that.

What brought this on? I was looking specifically at the career tracks of two young power forwards, Mason Marchment of Dallas and the Predators’ Tanner Jeannot. Both of these guys struggled early in their pro careers. Both spent time in the ECHL. Both posted scoring rates in the AHL similar to Angello’s. Both became valuable members of their respective teams while providing a coveted and necessary power element.

Was it simply a matter of these guys blooming late? Or were they afforded a fair opportunity to develop at a tipping point in their careers?

Perhaps a combination.

It’s too late for Angello…at least in the ‘Burgh. But the Pens have another sizeable 26-year-old forward who’s been on the fringe for a couple of seasons, Radim Zohorna. The hulking Czech possesses an NHL-worthy tool kit, and he’s posted some dazzling underlying numbers.

Will he be given a fair shake a la Rust? Or will “Big Z” go the way of Angello?

Given the Pens’ recent track record, I’m betting on the latter.