A quickie update. Defenseman Kris Letang and forward Noel Acciari are being evaluated for injuries in the wake of our 6-3 loss to Detroit. The former’s injury is lower body in nature, the latter’s upper body.
No word on the severity of the injuries or how they were hurt.
The news would appear to cast trading right-shot defenseman Mark Friedman in an incredibly poor light, especially given Chad Ruhwedel’s struggles. But I digress.
Kyle Dubas, who hinted changes might be imminent during a between-the-periods interview last night, wasted little time in springing to action. Today he placed forward Jansen Harkins on waivers.
Claimed on waivers from the Jets on October 2, Harkins initially impressed with his combination of speed, size and sand in preseason but quickly faded. Nearly invisible in four regular-season games, he amassed four shots on goal and four hits while manning his off (right) wing on a line with Lars Eller and Drew O’Connor.
Coincidentally or not, the line perked up when Mike Sullivan promoted Matt Nieto and dropped Harkins to the fourth line during the third period against the Red Wings.
If the Cleveland native goes unclaimed, he can be assigned to the Baby Pens, paving the way for a recall. No indication who that might be.
In other news, the Pens waived recent acquisition Karel Plasek for the purpose of releasing him from his contract.
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The Other Rick
I don't think being active on the waiver front is an issue and I actually believe it's a part of GMKB
plan to keep massaging the bottom six until he finds a good solid mix. I see today they called
up "BIG Z". IMO a good GM is always probing and turning over every stone in order to improve
the team. I think it's possible to see bodies coming and going until the half way point of the
season before they lock in the bottom six forwards. If nothing else he's letting them know if
the don't produce their expendable.
Sorry Rick,
I said it a few weeks back, there is a significant problem on a team that is checking the waiver wire this early in the year.
Now if Letang is out for any length of time and Ruhwedel is the only other RHD in the org, we are screwed.