The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins signed three junior hockey free agents to contracts yesterday. Western Hockey League scoring aces Atley Calvert (pictured) and Gabe Klassen agreed to two-year deals. Jack Beck inked a one-year pact.
A right-handed shooting center, the 20-year-old Calvert was a teammate of top Pens pick Brayden Yager with Moose Jaw. The 6’0” 193-pounder tallied 47 goals and equaled Yager’s total of 95 points last season, his second-straight 40-goal campaign.
Klassen, 20, a left-handed shooting center, tallied 35 goals, 71 assists and 106 points while serving as captain for Mike Johnston’s Portland Winterhawks. He’s listed at 5’10” and 178 pounds.
The 21-year-old Beck, a former sixth-round pick of the Flames in 2021, notched 27 goals and 85 points for Kyle Dubas’ old team, the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. He goes 5’11” and 162 pounds.
Obviously, size and strength isn’t their stock in trade, although Calvert has a projectable frame.
Whether any or all pan out is anyone’s guess. The black-and-gold has had decent success with collegiate free agents over the last few years (Zach Aston-Reese, current Pen Drew O’Connor and Cup-winner Conor Sheary come to mind). Less so with junior hockey free agents (Jordan Frasca).
But, hey, at least Dubas is trying to add young talent.
Hey Rick
Sorry but Frasca’s biggest problem was with the team he chose to sign with. I watched him in the Prospect’s Tournament. He was among the top players for our Penguins in the exhibition; along with Belliveau, Blomqvist, and Hamaliuk. Unfortunately Frasca and Hamaliuk were not even invited to camp because they are not Sully Smurfs and were banished before they ever had a chance. Frasca and Hamaliuk were big factors in Wheeling having such a good season. Both of these guys showed all of the skills I would want in a bottom 6, skills to which our Coach has an extreme allergy – an allergy that will once again prevent this team from making a Cup run (maybe even a playoff appearance, leading this team to what could be a 3rd playoff less season in a row)