Penguins Update: How Are the New Guys Doing?

I confess, I’m excited by the news filtering out of Penguins practices that Vinnie Hinostroza may be replacing venerable Jeff Carter on the fourth line. No disrespect intended for big Jeff. But here’s hoping the speedster helps to spark a revival in the unit’s play, which has been consistently lacking in any type of offensive zip.

Hinostroza was just one of a small stable of free agents signed by GM Kyle Dubas this past summer as part of an ambitious and massive overhaul.

It got me to thinking. In the wake of our wobbly 3-6 start, how are the new guys doing?

GRADE: A

Two of our newbies have earned A’s in my book, forwards Reilly Smith and Radim Zohorna. To digress, I’m a Jason Zucker guy. So when Dubas acquired Smith from Vegas for the low (low) asking price of a third-round pick to replace Zucks, I admit I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder.

Suffice to say, Smith has knocked that chip off…and then some. While Zucker has missed time with a lower body injury in his new digs (the reason we were reluctant to re-sign him) Smith has in my estimation been one of our top three or four players. He’s blended seamlessly with Evgeni Malkin, no easy feat, and is at least part of the reason Geno’s frolicking like a frisky colt at age 37.

With four goals and seven points, he’s been productive, too.

Yes, I’m giving “Big Z” an A as well. The third line was a quagmire until Dubas recalled the hulking forward four games into the season. Zohorna’s finally getting a chance to shine and he’s making the very most of it with his strong all-around play, not to mention two goals in five games.

Factoid: In 30 career games with the Pens, he’s been on the ice for 23 goals 5v5 and only five against!

GRADE: B

When Dubas acquired Erik Karlsson in the blockbuster trade of the summer, the three-time Norris Trophy winner was expected to move our needle in a big way. He’s moved it alright, but not to the degree anticipated.

In particular, EK65 was expected to fix our ailing power play, a tall task indeed. Through no fault of his own, that hasn’t happened. Nor has the speedy Swede been as consistently dynamic as hoped, although some knowledgeable hockey folks contend that he’s being restrained by Mike Sullivan and the coaching staff.

Still, Erik leads the defense with two goals and six points…a 55-point pace over a full 82-game slate. Certainly very good. Just not spectacular.

On the flip side, I confess I wasn’t all that enthused with the Lars Eller signing. I felt the 34-year-old center’s best days were behind him. But Eller has exceeded my expectations in all aspects of his play and to my eye has been a real bright spot.

Speaking of bright spots, I thought goalie Alex Nedeljkovic looked really sharp in his two starts…at least until his unfortunate foray against Dallas that may have caused his lower-body injury. “Ned” was athletic and cat quick in net, and his rebound control was excellent.

Frankly, I was much more comfortable with him between the pipes than a certain $5 million/season starter who shall go nameless.

GRADE: C

The domain of the two Ryans, Graves and Shea. While I like the former’s size, mobility and willingness to join the attack, he’s literally been all over the place, positionally and otherwise, while committing his share of gaffes. Hardly the steady-as-she-goes defensive rock I was anticipating.

Actually, that description better fits the other Ryan. Indeed, Shea for the most part has been effective and responsible, content to make the safe, smart play. Attributes that have earned him playing time over defensively challenged incumbent Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

GRADE: D

Perhaps I’m being a bit harsh on this next batch of newbies. As part of a defense-first fourth line, Noel Acciari and Matt Nieto have been on the ice for only one 5v5 goal against through nine games. Darn good work.

Problem is, along with the aforementioned Carter, they’ve produced absolutely nothing offensively, as in zero points combined. A development that will hopefully be remedied with the insertion of Hinostroza.

I’ve giving Jansen Harkins a D as well. Following a strong (and likely adrenalin-fueled) start in preseason, the waiver pick up fell off sharply in the regular season, leading to a demotion after only four games.

GRADE: INCOMPLETE

I loved what I saw of rugged rookie defenseman John Ludvig, right up to the moment he was kayoed and concussed while delivering a big hit on the Stars’ Radek Faksa. IMHO, we could sorely use the bite Ludvig delivered in his all-too-brief debut.

Just don’t know if Sullivan, famously allergic to physical players, will agree.

I’ll throw Magnus Hellberg into this category as well. Save for a 31-second blip, the giant goalie generally did good work in relief of Tristan Jarry in our loss to Ottawa, stopping 15 of 17 shots. I’ll withhold a grade until he has a start or two under his belt.

KYLE DUBAS: C

As for the architect? I’ll give Dubas high marks for moving boldly and decisively and lower marks for effect. As detailed above, some of his additions have worked out well. Others? Not so much.

In particular, awarding Jarry a five-year contract at $5.375 million per looks like a colossal blunder at this stage. Ditto the $800 K he doled out to former Leaf forward Andreas Johnsson, who has yet to dress for the Baby Pens.

I understand our GM’s approach. Toss as many darts at the board as possible in hopes that a few will stick. At this stage, we could’ve used a few more bulleyes.