With the regular season fast approaching and NHL teams scrambling to get down to the 23-man roster limit, a host of players were placed on waivers.
A few names grabbed my attention.
The Lightning exposed veteran defenseman Zach Bogosian. He’s a right-handed shot for one, and we’ve been quietly seeking an upgrade over incumbent Chad Ruhwedel. Two…he’s big (6’2” 222), physical (114 hits each of the past two seasons) and he won a Cup with the Bolts in 2020, so he knows what it takes to win. Affordable at $850K. Plus, he has a history with Kyle Dubas. The Pens GM signed Bogosian as a free agent during his stint in Toronto.
Might he be on the Pens’ radar?
Probably not. We shed Jan Rutta, who employs a similar style, this summer. And Bogosian doesn’t fit Mike Sullivan’s preferred mold for defensemen.
An even larger name (and body)? Oilers forward Raphael Lavoie. Taken 38th overall back in 2019, the hulking 6’4” 198-pounder has developed steadily through three seasons in the pro ranks. Blessed with size, decent wheels and a laser of a shot, he’s learned to use his frame to protect the puck. The result? A solid 25-goal, 45-point season in ’22-23 in 61 games for Bakersfield of the AHL.
His lone weakness, but a glaring one? His play in the defensive zone.
It’s hard to imagine Lavoie might still be available when it’s the Pens’ turn to pick. But if he is? Maybe a chance to snag another Drew O’Connor.
Among other players who caught my eye? A.J. Greer of the Bruins, a large (6’3” 208) glove-dropping, bottom-six forward with wheels. Defenseman Dylan Coghlan, late of the Hurricanes, and another big (6’2” 208) right-handed shot. And former black-and-gold forward Zach Aston-Reese, only recently signed by the Red Wings to a two-way deal.
Speaking of ex-Pen grinders, the Maple Leafs traded Sam Lafferty to Vancouver for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 Entry Draft. The scrappy Hollidaysburg native will be reunited with former linemate Teddy Blueger among others.
Click here for a complete list of players placed on waivers.
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