Post by Pittsburgh Penguins on Sept 11, 2023 14:02:42 GMT -6
While the Penguins had a semi-successful development year in 22-23, They are looking to take the next steps to becoming a regular playoff team for years to come. First, came the draft where the Pens had 3 first round picks and took phenom Connor Bedard 1st overall. Bedard is expected to debut with the Penguins likely in the 24-25 season.
Next, came free agency. With free agency, the pens were able to bolster their Goaltending when they signed Pittsburgh native, John Gibson, to a 4 year deal. With this signing, they have a strong tandem with Gibson and 26 year old Mackenzie blackwood likely serving in a 1a/1b type situation with a 50/32 start split. Additionally, Pittsburgh added a top 6 forward in Brayden Schenn. Pittsburgh was able to sign Schenn after an accounting error nullified the winning bid from Boston. Pittsburgh also strengthened their Defensive depth with signing Colin Miller who will likely serve as a bottom pairing dman for the squad. GM Swackhammer said that they had hoped to acquire a top 4 defenseman in Free Agency but the lack of options led to inflated prices.
The penguins also activated prospects Kent Johnson and Nils Lundqvist who are will likely star on the farm side of things. GM Swackhammer has said that it is his goal that both teams make the playoffs next year but the farm side they will be looking for a championship. After being an honorable mention for future rosters in the GM awards, Pittsburgh will look to capitalize on the expected growth from the farm side.
On the pro side, multiple players who excelled on the farm team last year are expected to have pro roles this season. Gabriel Vilardi and Jesper Boqvist are expected to likely serve in a top 6 capacity with Scott Perunovich playing pro minutes along with powerplay time. The preseason will be a time to play with some lines and see what works from a chemistry perspective so that the Penguins can come out ready when regular season starts
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
Next, came free agency. With free agency, the pens were able to bolster their Goaltending when they signed Pittsburgh native, John Gibson, to a 4 year deal. With this signing, they have a strong tandem with Gibson and 26 year old Mackenzie blackwood likely serving in a 1a/1b type situation with a 50/32 start split. Additionally, Pittsburgh added a top 6 forward in Brayden Schenn. Pittsburgh was able to sign Schenn after an accounting error nullified the winning bid from Boston. Pittsburgh also strengthened their Defensive depth with signing Colin Miller who will likely serve as a bottom pairing dman for the squad. GM Swackhammer said that they had hoped to acquire a top 4 defenseman in Free Agency but the lack of options led to inflated prices.
The penguins also activated prospects Kent Johnson and Nils Lundqvist who are will likely star on the farm side of things. GM Swackhammer has said that it is his goal that both teams make the playoffs next year but the farm side they will be looking for a championship. After being an honorable mention for future rosters in the GM awards, Pittsburgh will look to capitalize on the expected growth from the farm side.
On the pro side, multiple players who excelled on the farm team last year are expected to have pro roles this season. Gabriel Vilardi and Jesper Boqvist are expected to likely serve in a top 6 capacity with Scott Perunovich playing pro minutes along with powerplay time. The preseason will be a time to play with some lines and see what works from a chemistry perspective so that the Penguins can come out ready when regular season starts
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
