At Consol Energy Center on Tuesday, 34 players took to the ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ annual prospect development camp. For the Penguins, who suffered an injury plagued 2014-15 season, it’s the four that did not play that may be troublesome. Left-winger Scott Wilson, center Oskar Sundqvist, and right-wingers Tyler Biggs and Josh Archibald all missed the first day of prospect camp and are not expected to skate this week. Wilson, 23, could be in line for a fourth-line job in Pittsburgh ... Read More
RMU’s Denham eyes pro career at Pens camp
Robert Morris University forward Brandon Denham has had a busy summer. After attending the Winnipeg Jets prospect camp last week, he is back in Pittsburgh participating in the Pittsburgh Penguins prospect development camp this week. Denham, 23, will enter his senior season for the Colonials with 20 goals over the last two seasons. With the departure of all-time leading scorer Cody Wydo, Denham will be one of several RMU players that will be asked to play a bigger role offensively. “I’ve ... Read More
Penguins prospects Maguire, Birks back in action
The Pittsburgh Penguins prospect development camp got underway on Tuesday, and for most of the players, it was their first venture onto the ice in preparation for the 2015-16 season. Two players, however, were shaking the rust off a little more than the rest. Defenseman Dane Birks and goaltender Sean Maguire both made their returns to the ice after having to sit out the entirety of the 2014-15 season. Birks, who will turn 20 in August, missed his freshman season at Michigan Tech due to an ... Read More
Pens continue training staff shakeup with two new hires
Less than a week after the departure of strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar, the Pittsburgh Penguins have laid the groundwork for a new start in their off-ice training department. Joining the club in a newly created position will be Andy O’Brien. O’Brien has been the personal trainer of many NHL athletes – including the Penguins’ Sidney Crosby – and was the strength and conditioning coach of the Florida Panthers from 2005-2009. O’Brien, 37, will hold the position of director of ... Read More
Pens mailbag: One-way vs two-way, new ownership & Kadar’s departure
This week's Penguins mailbag features reader questions about the one-way and two-way contracts, what the future holds for the Penguins under new ownership and the abrupt departure of Penguins strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar. Let's dive right in. What’s the difference between a one-way contract and a two-way contract and do they have any effect on waivers? The one and only difference between a one-way contract and a two-way contract is how much the player gets paid at the ... Read More
Report: Potential buyer expected to submit offer for Penguins
A group of investors is expected to make on offer to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins within the week, according to a report by Patty Tascarella of the Pittsburgh Business Times. The report cited a sale price between $700 and $850 million. In 2014, Forbes Magazine valued the Penguins at $565 million. Sale prices of sports franchises have grown exponentially over the past few years. The Los Angeles Dodgers sold for $2 billion in 2012. The New Jersey Devils were sold for $320 million in ... Read More
Penguins bring back Bobby Farnham
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Bobby Farnham to a one-year, two-way contract worth $575,000 at the NHL level, according to a statement released by general manager Jim Rutherford on Monday. Farnham, 26, became a bit of a folk hero in 2014-15 when he made his NHL debut. Farnham’s wild style of play and penchant for drawing penalties led to popularity that belies his lack of production (no points in 11 games.) With Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, Farnham ... Read More
RMU to upgrade Island Sports Center
The Robert Morris University Island Sports Center complex on Neville Island will be getting a bit of a facelift this summer. The facility, which has served as the home of the RMU men’s and women’s hockey teams since their inception in 2004, will see its first major renovation since it has come under the auspices of the university. This summer’s work will include renovations to the men’s and women’s locker rooms, athletic training room and equipment and laundry faculties. The new facilities ... Read More
Pirates option Boscan before All-Star break
The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned relief pitcher Wilfredo Boscan to Triple-A Indianapolis. No corresponding roster move will be announced until after the all-star break. Boscan, 25, was called up from Indianapois on Sunday after the Pirates and Cardinals went 14 innings on Saturday night. He was brought in as help for the beleaguered bullpen, but the manager Clint Hurdle ended up not calling on the young Venezuelan despite starting pitcher Francisco Liriano only going 6 1/3 ... Read More
Nailers re-sign former RMU captain Cody Wydo
The Wheeling Nailers have signed their second player for the 2015-16 season, and it’s a familiar face to many Pittsburgh-area hockey fans. Former Robert Morris Colonials captain Cody Wydo will re-join the Nailers for his first full professional season in 2015-16. Wydo, 24, played in all 37 games for the Colonials in 2014-15, leading the team in goals (20), assists (23) and points (43). Over his senior season, Wydo became the program’s all-time leading scorer and first-ever Hobey Baker ... Read More