PHN EXTRA: 2nd Rounder Calen Addison Shines in Game 1

BUFFALO — The Pittsburgh Penguins rookie tournament team has by far the least pedigree and most undrafted free agents in the four-team preseason tournament, which also includes the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins. So it may not be surprising the Penguins highest draft pick on their tournament roster, 2018 second-round pick Calen Addison was easily the best defenseman in a Penguins sweater. Friday, Addison’s play was as loud as his voice.

Against the Boston Bruins tournament team, Addison could be heard calling instructions and calling situations to his defense partner, usually undrafted free agent Jacob Herauf of Red Deer. Such confidence and savvy were unique for both teams, despite the Bruins roster which included two first-round picks and two second-rounders.

Addison, 5-foot-10 and 179 pounds, also stepped into the slot, judiciously joined the rush, and even crashed the net when the opportunity arose.

“I thought I made good first passes and joined into the offense when I could,” Addison said.