Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jesse Puljujarvi appears to have the inside track on a third-line role with the team (as per Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now). Kingerski writes that Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan has slotted Puljujarvi on the team’s third line as the stock has risen considerably during an impressive training camp.
The former fourth overall pick is finally healthy this year after undergoing double hip surgery and a full summer of training has the 26-year-old dominating intrasquad scrimmages and preseason games. The Penguins badly need depth scoring this season as their top six forwards have carried the offense in the previous two years, resulting in them missing the playoffs in both seasons. Puljujarvi seemed destined for the AHL just a few weeks ago, but his emergence has potentially changed the roster dynamic for the Penguins as they head into the regular season.
In other Penguins notes:
- Kingerski also wrote about Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany’s emergence on the Penguins bottom defensive pairing. St. Ivany was a steadying presence on the Penguins third pairing at the end of last season and his NHL arrival coincided with Pittsburgh going on an incredible stretch of hockey that nearly resulted in a playoff spot. This year the expectations on St. Ivany have been adjusted and the results look good so far. St. Ivany appears as though he will start the season in the NHL as his puck moving has improved and he has transitioned from a defensive defenseman to more of an all-around defender. St. Ivany has been noticeable for the Penguins and would be a bargain in the NHL as he is signed for three more seasons at just $775K annually.
- Rutger McGroarty seemed likely to start the season on the Penguins NHL roster, but that could be in question as the regular season nears (as per Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now). McGroarty looks NHL-ready, and his hockey IQ is off the charts, but the knock on him continues to be his skating and work in the defensive zone. The 20-year-old is likely an NHL player already, but the Penguins will have to figure out if he can put up enough offense to compensate for his shortcomings in the defensive zone. Nothing is set in stone for the Penguins opening night lineup, but regardless of whether McGroarty is in it, he should see NHL time at some point this season.
LW – Sid – Rust
Rakell – Geno – Puljujarvi
LW – Hayes – Glass
LW – Eller – RW
I’d like to see lines like this…let DOC and Bunting and Beavillier and McGroarty compete for 3 of those 4 open spots (Lizotte probably gets one of those 4th line roles).
I really like what I’ve seen from Puljujarvi but if he plays 3rd line RW that takes away the best spot in the lineup for Cody Glass, who I’ve also liked so far.
I think this gives us a nice mix and 4 pretty decent lines.
Like St. Ivany and glad he’s taking the job, a right shot is key to how Sully likes his D. Did think Aho looked OK too, though.
If JP really ends up looking good I would move him up with Sid to see if he can unlock that true potential.
Would be foolish to not have McGroarty on the NHL team to enter the season.