The Penguins called up forward Tristan Broz from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton today. In a pair of corresponding moves, they sent rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke and forward Philip Tomasino to the Baby Pens.
I kind of figured there’d be changes in the wake of Friday’s atrocious showing against the Wild and Saturday’s disappointing come-from-in-front overtime loss to the Kraken. Especially given coach Dan Muse’s displeasure.
I, for one, am pleased with the moves, especially Broz’s promotion. I don’t really have anything more to go on other than a gut instinct and his history of coming up large on a big stage, not to mention the kid’s solid production with the Baby Pens (eight goals and 13 points in 18 games). But something tells me Broz is going to be a “money” player.
Not necessarily a star, mind you. Just a player who’ll be a solid contributor with a penchant for scoring clutch goals. Kind of along the lines of Bryan Rust.
Sending Brunicke to the Baby Pens on a 14-day conditioning loan makes all kinds of sense. The 19-year-old faded quickly following a flashy start and clearly wasn’t ready for the shark tank that is the NHL, but he’s too good for junior. People in the know expect him to be loaned to Team Canada for the World Junior championships following his stint in Wilkes.
For Tomasino, it’s the latest step down the organizational ladder. Following a strong preseason, he failed to produce for the Pens in a part-time role (a lone assist in nine games), which led to the former first-round pick being placed on waivers last Tuesday, with no takers.
Perhaps the 24-year-old forward can take advantage of the opportunity to rediscover his game, as Tristan Jarry and Ryan Graves have.
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Like to add another update,
Penguins signed 2nd round pick Peyton Kettles to an ELC. I hope that means something next season.
I loved this pick. The kid was injured early on in the off-season and missed camp and the start of the season but he now has 1 G, 2 A, 15 PIM, and is a +2 in 5 GP split between former team Swift Current and new team Kelowna in the WHL.
Hey all,
I neglected to mention the Pens have assigned defenseman Jack St. Ivany to the Baby Pens as well. He's been on IR since taking a puck off his skate during a preseason victory over Buffalo on October 1.
Although he's a touch long in the tooth (26) to still be considered a prospect, I still have hope that St. Ivany may yet develop into a solid, stay-at-home, third-pairing defenseman at the NHL level. I like his size (6'4" 197) and the fact that he brings some sturdiness and physicality to the table, to say nothing of being a right shot.
Rick