The Penguins have released their training camp roster ahead of the start of camp on Thursday (click here to view). The 69 healthy invitees include 37 forwards, 24 defensemen and eight goalies.
Among that number are five players attending camp on a professional tryout (PTO), including forwards Robby Fabbri, Cal Burke and Brett Murray (pictured), big right-shot defenseman Jake Livingstone and, of course, black-and-gold legend Marc-André Fleury between the pipes.
The 29-year-old Fabbri, a speedy, skilled and reasonably productive forward who hustles and competes when healthy, is unfortunately so injury-prone, former Pen Beau Bennett looks like an iron man by comparison.
Yes, I’m being facetious (but only a bit).
I confess Murray, a 27-year-old left wing, immediately grabbed my attention (anyone who goes 6’5” 228 usually does). A former fourth-round pick of Buffalo in the 2016 Entry Draft, he’s spent his entire pro career in the Sabres’ organization. Productive in the AHL (27 goals and 49 points for Rochester last season), his game hasn’t translated to the NHL during several cameos, including a 19-game run with the Sabres in ’21-22.
Kind of a classic AAAA player. Good enough to shine in the AHL but not the bigs.
I’d harbor a guess that skating isn’t a strong suit. Nor is he a classic heavyweight in a fighting sense despite his bulk, although he’s actually a fairly destructive puncher when riled, one who’s capable of putting foes down.
Anyway, much ado about a couple of guys who probably aren’t going to make the cut.
Just to finish a thought on PTOs, Matt Grzelcyk signed a tryout deal with the Blackhawks. I’m pulling for Matty to make it in the Windy City. The defensive elements in his game were lacking here, but he has decent vision and smarts and distributes the puck really well, particularly on the power play.
Five players who are attending camp but aren’t medically cleared to participate are Noel Acciari, Rutger McGroarty, Tanner Howe, Peyton Kettles and Bill Zonnon.
Bummer. I was especially interested to see how Zonnon would fare in his first pro camp.
All in due time.
Hey RIck,
Hey Rick,
When I look down the training camp roster, the names and story lines that caught my eye were,
• Tristan Broz: If you remember, I started saying that I thought Broz should be given a shot at 3rd line Center. Finally, PHN, now, after the Prospects Tournament, is catching up with me. In a recent post they cited everything I have been saying about him and suggested he should pivot the 3rd line.
• Max Graham: I thought he was the best part of that Devils trade last season. He has aged out of Juniors. According to the talking heads he was quiet in the Prospects Tournament, but I didn’t get to see much of that. Therefore, I am looking forward to seeing him myself.
• Filip Hållander: As I wrote in reply to one of your earlier posts, I am wondering if he was promised a legitimate shot at the regular season roster. Otherwise, I don’t understand why he would sign back with the team.
• Avery Hayes: He isn’t as big as I would like, but I have liked this kid for a couple of years now. He leaves it all on the ice and can kill penalties.
• Ville Koivunen: He should invigorate the offense.
• Sam Poulin: I wonder how this hard luck kid will react to another season of useless low end UFA signings blocking true prospects.
• Alexander Alexeyev: With his size, I am hoping he can be a defensive defensemen that can be used to baby sit either Letang or Karlsson and play defense for them, freeing either of those two up to do what they do best.
• Harrison Brunicke: He has shown high end offensive talent but has been more than suspect defensively. Will the team risk exposing him to NHL level abuse by NHL level forwards? Will the league change the rules to allow him to be sent down to WBS rather than the Jrs, so he can split the difference? Or will they have to send him down to the Jrs so that he can work on his defensive game.
• Jake Livingstone: If you remember, I wanted the Penguins to sign him several years back when Nashville signed him. I haven’t had a chance to see him play at the professional level in the AHL but he looked like he could do it all at the NCAA level.
• Emil Pieniniemi: PHN didn’t seem impressed by him in the Tournament, but then again, I do not always agree with them.
• Parker Wotherspoon: Same as Alexander Alexeyev
• Taylor Gauthier: I don’t know why the team is down on this kid and refused to sign him. Before Murashov got here, Gauthier led the Nailers to the playoffs and won rookie honors. He even played well this year. Moreover, he is better than Jarry and Silovs. Unfortunately, Dubas elected to only sign him to an AHL contract
• Tristan Jarry: Only interested in seeing him depart the team.
• Maxim Pavlenko: Don’t know anything about him but he is 6’-5”, 205 pounds. Like Gauthier, he is only on an AHL contract.
• Gabriel D’Aigle: Not that I am surprised but it seems to me this kids’ absence speaks volumes. When he was drafted in the 3rd round, I noted that D’Aigle was a poor use of a 3rd round pick and even PHN noted that this kid needs work. This kid could have been picked up as a free agent.
• Tanner Howe: Missing another training camp due to injury
• Rutger McGroarty: He is injured too. I wonder how that will affect the roster decisions.