Penguins Claim Kolyachonok

The Penguins claimed defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok off waivers yesterday from Utah. A left-shot, the 23-year-old native of Belarus stands 6’2” and tips the scales at a solid 195 pounds.

In 23 games with Utah this season, Kolyachonok tallied a pair of goals and five points to go with a minus-7. For his NHL career, spent entirely with Arizona/Utah, the former second-round pick of the Panthers has four goals and 12 points in 62 games along with a minus-2 and 59 hits.

Despite the modest hit totals, he plays with an edge and is tough along the boards according to early scouting reports. A fast and mobile skater, to boot.

His Corsi (52.70) and expected goals for percentage (an excellent 57.51) this season indicate he’s capable of driving play.

Kolyachonok’s regarded as a work-in-progress. But given how thin the Pens are organizationally on defense, I like the move.

POHO/GM Kyle Dubas has certainly had his share of swings and misses. But I like the work he’s done to acquire draft capital and reinforce the organization with young and perhaps undervalued talent on the cheap. Speaking of, our latest addition is signed through next season at a bargain cap hit of $775 K.

Jarry Recalled (?!)

The Pens have sent recently recalled forwards Emil Bemström and Vasily Ponomarev and goalie Joel Blomqvist to the Baby Pens. They recalled…drum roll please…Tristan Jarry!

Before you get too worked up, the move was likely made to afford Blomqvist and the others playing time during the 4 Nations break. Since there’s an NHL rule requiring teams to carry at least two goalies, Jarry was the logical choice for recall.

For the record, Tristan posted a 31-save shutout in his most recent outing for the Baby Pens against Bridgeport on February 7.

It does make me wonder what will happen following 4 Nations. While I get that coach Mike Sullivan is trying to win every game possible and Alex Nedeljkovic has been terrific, from a developmental standpoint it makes absolutely no sense to have Blomqvist play sparingly in the ‘Burgh. Provided it wouldn’t be too much of a distraction for team and player, perhaps Jarry sticks around to serve as Ned’s backup.

Free at Last

A final word on Jesse Puljujärvi. Dissatisfied with a lack of playing time, the big forward apparently requested that his contract be terminated so he could pursue other opportunities.

I wish him well.

FYI: Dan Kingerski on Pittsburgh Hockey Now offers some interesting insights on Jesse’s shortcomings and why things didn’t work out here.