Penguins Draft Update: Achin’ for Aitcheson

I’ll be honest. When it comes to fresh ideas for articles, the ol’ brain pan is dryer than a water well drilled smack in the middle of the Mohave Desert.

That is, until I read a mock draft by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman that had the Penguins selecting Barrie Colts defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson with their first-round pick.

Up till now, I figured the Pens would nab a forward like Brady Martin or even Roger McQueen. That is, until I started reading up on Aitcheson.

Let’s just say a lot of yes’s and amen’s started banging around in my noggin.’

Actually, banging is an apt descriptor for the 18-year-old Toronto native, because that’s largely what he does on ice. As in, using his 6’2” 196-pound frame to bang into (or run over) foes in old-school fashion. Indeed, Kashawn—“Kash” for short—embraces a throwback style reminiscent in terms of physicality to former Pens’ defenseman Brooks Orpik. He’ll drop the gloves, too, and acquits himself quite well in punch-ups.

Obviously there’s more to Aitcheson’s game than just bristling physicality. He’s mobile and smooth on his skates and good on the transition. His puck skills fairly exploded this season, propelling him to an impressive 26-goal, 59-point stat line. He piled up six goals and a dozen points in 16 playoff games as well.

Personality wise, Aitcheson’s engaging and charismatic with more than a dash of swag, reminiscent in some ways of former Pens heavyweight Ryan Reaves.

After watching our bland, Milquetoastish Pens struggle to play with any real emotion or intensity over the past few seasons, this kid would be a breath of fresh air in the dressing room, not to mention a drawing card at the gate.

Oh, he plays the left side on ‘d,’ where we desperately need help.

If Aitcheson’s available when it’s our turn to pick?

Count me in.

Vellucci Joins the Hawks

Long-time black-and-gold assistant Mike Vellucci has joined the Blackhawks. He’ll serve under their new head coach, Jeff Blashill.

During his five seasons in the ‘Burgh, Vellucci oversaw the forwards and penalty kill.

Although routinely passed over for head coaching jobs, the 58-year-old Michigan native has won championships in the NAHL, OHL and AHL.

Here’s wishing Mike all the best in the Windy City.

This ‘n’ ‘At

In other black-and-gold news, the Pens relinquished the rights to forward Chase Yoder, their sixth-round pick from the 2020 Entry Draft.

Pegged from the get-go as a bottom-six energy guy, the 23-year-old’s boxcars pretty much reflected those (low) expectations during his five seasons at Providence College.