Pittsburgh Penguins Trim Roster In Time For Season Opener
By Larry Snyder
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Tuesday that the team has trimmed the roster to get down to the 23-man regular-season limit and the NHL salary-cap ceiling of $69 million.
Defenseman Scott Harrington was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League while centers Zach Sill and Andrew Ebbett plus defenseman Taylor Chorney were assigned to Wheeling of the ECHL. Center Oskar Sundqvist was returned to Skelleftea of the Swedish Hockey League.
Meanwhile, head coach Mike Johnston confirmed that right wing and 2014 No. 1 draft pick Kasperi Kapanen has returned to Finland to visit family. The speculation right now is that he will rejoin his former squad back in Finland.
The Black and Gold open the regular season against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday at Consol Energy Center. The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ROOT Sports Pittsburgh.
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From The Clipboard: Evgeni Malkin joined his teammates for practice on Tuesday for the first time this season at Consol Energy Center.
He told Sam Kasan of PittsburghPenguins.com, “I skated all practice and feel great, I’m not tired.”
As for participating in the season opener on Thursday against Anaheim, Malkin said, “I can’t say right now (if I’ll play) because it’s my first practice with the team,. It’s 50-50. If I feel I’m in great shape I’ll come back. If not then maybe the second game (of the season).”
Defenseman Olli Maatta (shoulder) continues to practice with the team and while his official status is unknown for Thursday’s season opener, the staff feels that he is close to playing.