Get ready for a major shake-up in the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup! Some big names are on their way out, and some exciting new additions are coming in.
Noel Acciari, Justin Brazeau, and Tristan Jarry are all heading to the Injured Reserve (IR) list, with an upper body injury for Acciari and an undisclosed injury for Jarry. Owen Pickering is also returning to the AHL, leaving a gap in the team's defense.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Penguins are bringing in some experienced players to fill the void. Danton Heinen and Ryan Graves, two veterans seeking redemption, are joining the team. Heinen has been on a scoring streak in the AHL, tying for the league lead with 14 points in just 10 games. Graves, despite a tough start to his career with the Pens, has also contributed with 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists) in his 10 games.
And this is the part most people miss: the Penguins are also giving a rookie goalie, Sergei Murashov, a chance to shine. Murashov was named the AHL's Goalie of the Month for October, and with Jarry on IR, he could make his NHL debut soon. At just 21 years old, Murashov is an exciting prospect for the team.
The Penguins' defense has been a concern, especially with Caleb Jones sidelined. Pickering, who appeared in the last four NHL games, struggled, and now the team is turning to Graves to help salvage their blueline.
There's a bit of a roster shuffle happening too. The team sent out four players but only brought in three, leaving them short by one forward. Kevin Hayes, who has been out with an injury, is expected to return soon, bringing the team back to full strength.
Another intriguing aspect is the situation with rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke. His entry-level contract will kick in if he plays one more NHL game, but the team hasn't decided yet whether to keep him or send him back to his junior team. They could even opt to keep him as a healthy scratch and use depth defensemen like Connor Clifton or Matt Dumba in the meantime.
The Penguins are set to practice tomorrow, and we'll get a better idea of how these new players will fit into the lineup. We may also learn more about the severity of the injuries and when we can expect some of these players to return.
So, what do you think of these moves? Are you excited to see Heinen and Graves back in action? And what about the potential NHL debut of Murashov? Let's discuss in the comments!
