Penguins Camp: Mike Sullivan’s Cut Criteria; Rookie Watch

CRANBERRY, Twp — Everyone is going to get an opportunity, and Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is watching.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have brought the largest cache of forwards with NHL experience and potential to training camp in recent memory, if not ever. In total, there are at least 19 forwards vying for 13 spots, though the Penguins could opt to keep two extra forwards, bringing the total to 14.

At least five will be cut, and the only forward on the list who is waivers exempt is rookie Rutger McGroarty, for whom everyone has high hopes. So, it probably won’t be McGroarty getting a call to the coach’s office for a tough conversation.

A couple of players who finished last season on the NHL roster are in danger of losing their spots, including Valtteri Puustinen, who posted 20 points (5-15-20) in 52 games. 2019 first-round pick Sam Poulin (21st overall) is also likely to be placed on waivers, pending a standout camp and preseason.

So, what does Sullivan want?

“What we’re looking for is competitive spirit. Execution. And we’re looking for hockey IQ,” Sullivan said. “And those are things that I think add up to make a positive impact. So regardless of what the position is, I think guys are going to get an opportunity to show what they can do, and if they can make an impact in a positive way with a group, they’ll be in the conversation for us.”

The list of bubble forwards or those who could be in danger may be a little debatable. For example, would the Penguins acquire Cody Glass and his $2.5 million salary, even if they were paid a third-round pick to do so, and send him to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins?

The expansive list of players who could make the NHL roster or be placed on waivers includes Glass, Puustinen, Poulin, McGroarty, Blake Lizotte, Jesse Puljujarvi, Vasily Ponomarev, Emil Bemstrom, and Jonathan Gruden.

Clarification: McGroarty and Ponomarev are waivers exempt.

Lizotte signed a two-year free-agent deal with the Penguins, so he is most likely safe. However, Puljujarvi and Puustinen may have to wait in line to return to the NHL, just as Ponomarev–one of the prospects acquired in the Jake Guentzel trade–may have to wait for his Pittsburgh debut, too.

Ponomarev made his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes last season, scoring one goal with one assist in two NHL games.

Ponomarev seems to check at least a couple of the boxes set forth by Sullivan. He’s competitive and seems to have good execution through the rookie camp and the first couple of days of training camp. Puustinen might be in some trouble, relying on offensive potential instead.

The Penguins visit the Buffalo Sabres Saturday in their first preseason game. For a few, such as prospects like Tristan Broz, it might be their first and last chance as the team whittles its roster from 69 players and four groups to a more manageable two groups.

Penguins Rookie Watch

It’s just two days, so we’re offering only first impressions, certainly not gospel.

Tristan Broz is a scrapper. He won a forecheck race to a loose puck and quickly set up Kevin Hayes in front of the net for a goal on Thursday.

Owen Pickering is holding his own, though he’s not yet excelling. It is his first healthy training camp since being drafted in 2022.

Villie Koivunen has skill. He’s netted a couple of goals in half-ice drills and the scrimmage playing with Evgeni Malkin. WBS Penguins coach Kirk MacDonald would be wise to stress to move the puck more quickly. He has a bad habit of dusting the puck once or twice when he should snap the shot or make the pass. On the plus side, he’s visibly improving from last weekend.

Ponomarev: He has an aggressive burst in his skating stride. On a couple of occasions, he executed the wheel breakout and was at full speed by the defensive dots, forcing forecheckers to pursue and defensemen to back up. Watch his burst from the low zone and how it creates opportunity for others. On this play, second-round pick Tanner Howe had a breakaway.