Every fall it seems, non-roster players get invited to Penguins training camp hoping to make an impression and perhaps earn a contract. This season is no exception.
As I scanned our list of training camp invitees, I noticed the names of eight players who I’ve never heard of. One is still in junior, others have just completed their junior careers and still others have been banging around the pro ranks for a few years.
Teams generally don’t invite players to camp unless they have something to offer. Obviously, someone in the organization be it a scout, coach or exec has seen these guys play and thought enough of them to extend an invitation.
Anyway, I became curious to learn more about them. Given that our Pens iced lineups in split-squad games yesterday against the Blue Jackets that were largely comprised of fringe players, I thought it might be an appropriate time to shed a little light on who these guys are and where they come from.
Peter Abbandonato (Center, 5’10” 194, 25)
A former junior hockey scoring champion, Abbandonato led the Quebec League in scoring with 111 points (29+82) in 2018-19 while pacing the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies to the Memorial Cup. Undrafted, he hooked on with the Tampa Bay organization, but wound up splitting time between the AHL and ECHL. Given a new lease on life by the Canadiens, he scored at better than a point-per-game clip with Trois Riviers of the ECHL in 2021-22, earning a promotion to Laval of the AHL. Last season he regaining some of his junior hockey scoring swagger, finishing second on the Titan in assists (35) and points (46).
“He’s producing and playing well,” said head coach Jean-François Houle. “He’s well-liked in the locker room. He’s a good teammate. I have nothing but good things to say about Peter Abbandonato.
“He has good hockey sense and sees the ice well. He competes. He’s one of the players that retrieves the most pucks on our team. That shows the work ethic and the desire to get the puck back. You can never have enough players like that.”
Given Mike Sullivan’s affinity for puck retrieval, it makes sense that the Pens invited the four-year pro to camp on a PTO, despite the fact that he’s actually signed a contract to play for the Chicago Wolves this season.
Andre Anania (Right Defense, 6’1” 193, 20)
Like so many junior players, Anania missed his 18-year-old season due to the Covid shutdown. Making up for lost time, he emerged as one of Sudbury’s top defensemen last season, totaling seven goals and 33 points in 63 games to go with a team-best plus-31. So there’s definitely some skill there.
However, it’s Anania’s intangibles that make him stand out. A noted prankster along the lines of ex-Pens goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, the motor-mouthed defender donned a mic for a Wolves practice session last October and kept the pot stirred the whole time, mimicking coaches and chirping his teammates.
The Richmond Hill, Ontario, native doesn’t shy away contact, and he’s dropped the gloves numerous times throughout his junior career. Including a go with, as fate would have it, fellow invitee Avery Hayes.
Avery Hayes (Right Wing, 5’10” 175, 20)
It was my intent to do this list alphabetically by last name. But with such a perfect segue way, I figured I’d go straight to Hayes.
Signed to a two-year deal by the Baby Pens on June 27, the Westland, Michigan native may have the best shot at earning playing time with Pens down the road.
A two-time 40+ goal scorer in junior with a penchant for producing at playoff times, he’s gained attention thus far in camp for his tenacity and high-rev motor.
In describing Hayes, Bill Placzek of Lines.com wrote, “Displays quick hands and feet and a solid three zone positional game. Gives a good effort on all his shifts, sees the developing opportunities and uses his passing prowess to make accurate passes to teammates, attacking the front.”
In short, the kid sounds very much like a “Sully guy.”
Matt Filipe (Left Wing, 6’2” 199, 25)
If Hayes is cut from Sully’s cloth, then Filipe represents the opposite side of the coin. Ergo, a player with size and a bit of gristle.
A third-round pick of Carolina in 2016 and former teammate of Ryan Shea’s at Northeastern University, Filipe has skated the last three seasons at various levels of the Bruins’ organization, with modest success.
Still, the physical tools are there, according to college coach Jim Madigan.
“Matt is a big, strapping 6’2” 200-pound forward. He’s heavy on pucks, strong, a great skater with great offensive ability.”
While not a heavyweight, he’ll drop the gloves and is fairly proficient with his dukes.
The Baby Pens signed the rugged forward to a one-year deal on July 13.
Austin Rueschhoff (Right Wing, 6’7” 232, 26)
Sticking with the “birds of a feather,” theme, up next is Rueschhoff, a towering forward with a physical bent.
Signed as a free agent by the Rangers following a productive collegiate career at Western Michigan, Rueschhoff played exclusively with Hartford of the AHL and enjoyed his best season in ’21-22, notching 14 goals. He tailed off last season before being dealt to the Predators in February.
Reminiscent of legendary Pens tough guy Bob “Battleship” Kelly, Rueschhoff doesn’t fight very often but can be devastating when he does thanks to his enormous frame and long reach. Just ask former Pens prospect Jordy Bellerive and camp-mate Filipe.
Signed by the Baby Pens on July 11, he’ll no doubt provide a protective presence for his teammates.
Michael Simpson (Goalie, 6’1” 198, 20)
New Pens’ exec Kyle Dubas has a history of rolling the dice when it comes to goalies. Simpson would appear to be a classic example.
A late bloomer, the London, Ontario native enjoyed a solid if unspectacular season for Peterborough, posting a 2.73 goals against average and .914 save percentage to go with five shutouts. Simpson then rose to the occasion with a flourish in the OHL playoffs, backstopping the underdog Petes to the league championship and earning postseason MVP honors to boot.
He’ll face an uphill climb and crowded crease in training camp. But, especially with goalies, you just never know.
Matthew Soto (Right Wing, 5’11 179, 18)
I confess to scratching my head when I saw that an 18-year-old had been invited to camp. Especially when I viewed his unimposing boxcars (15 goals and 42 points in 54 games for Kingston of the OHL).
Then I read Matthew Zator’s evaluation on The Hockey Writers.
“Soto is an agile skater with quick hands in tight, which allows him to make plays in traffic or within a few feet of the net. His anticipation offensively and defensively has also been noted by scouts as he seems to know where to be to break up a play in his own zone or find space in the offensive zone to either get a scoring chance or create one for his teammates.
“Known for his motor and relentless work ethic on and off the ice, he has all the tools to become an effective third/fourth-line grinder in the NHL. Combined with his hockey IQ and exceptional understanding of the game, he might even get some reps in the top-six from time to time.”
Another Sully special.
Evan Vierling (Center, 6’0” 176, 21)
A fifth-round pick of the Rangers back in 2020 but never signed, Vierling enjoyed a huge season with Barie of the OHL last season, piling up 35 goals and 95 points. Making him one of the most highly sought after free agents coming out of junior.
According to reports, the Aurora, Ontario native plays a well-rounded game. A gentlemanly one, too, having earned the William Hanley Trophy as the league’s most sportsmanlike player.
Joshua Anselmo on Inside The Rink had this to say.
“My favorite aspect of Evan Vierling’s game is his two-way ability. For a player who plays with so much creativity in the offensive zone, the 20-year-old isn’t afraid to make plays on the other end of the ice either. This is something that can translate smoothly to the next level and especially fits in well with the organization’s philosophy. Another thing about Evan is his versatility, he can play on the wing and down the middle when needed while also being able to fill in multiple roles. Although you could argue Evan is more known for high-level passing ability, he’s got quite the release as well.”
Vierling signed a one-year contract with the Baby Pens on May 17, so he’ll be sure to get some prime development time with the black and gold.
UPDATE
As fate (and my exquisite sense of timing) would dictate, six of the “Obscure Eight” were among the first wave of training camp cuts. Looks like the dreaded PenguinPoop Curse is in midseason form (lol).
Filipe and Vierling were sent to the Baby Pens, along with goalie Taylor Gauthier, Sam Houde and two of our bigger forwards, Dillon Hamaliuk and Jagger Joshua. (Gee, there’s a surprise.)
Anania, Simpson and Soto were returned to their respective junior teams. Abbandonato was released from his PTO agreement. Another PTO invitee, defenseman Mark Pysyk, has been placed on the injured list.
Hayes and Rueschhoff remain in camp…for now.
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Hey all.
Just a quicky add-on. With guys like Filipe, Rueschhoff and Jagger Joshua under contract, the Baby Pens are going to boast a physical presence that's been largely MIA the last few seasons.
While seeing any or all in a Penguins uniform might be too much to ask, I never thought I'd see the day when there was any hint of toughness in the organization, especially with Mike Sullivan driving personnel decisions.
Rick