Penguins Development Camp: Pickering in Penguins Sweater, Day 1 Observations (+)

CRANBERRY  — It was the beginning of Owen Pickering’s era with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 2022 first-round choice arrived in Pittsburgh a couple of days ago. He’s spent the time since in a hotel room, and has yet to see the splendors of Pittsburgh.

Sooner or later, he’ll probably get a Primanti’s sandwich or even a few Jake Shakes. Sunday was Day 1 of the Penguins’ Development Camp.

There were a few players who stood out. A few players got their first exposure to the Penguins’ organization and had never met the coaches. And a small forward with silky mitts, Lukas Svejkovsky, even grew a little bit.

Watch him. Wilke-Barre/Scranton Penguins fans are going to enjoy this kid.

This is the first rookie camp since 2019. That’s an unfortunate fact that WBS Penguins coach J.D. Forrest admitted had denied several attendees the benefits of organizational familiarity and coaching.

Otherwise, it was a good day for the organization.

The opening weighted-skating drills were a unique opportunity to observe players’ skating technique and speed. The following 3-on-3 drills showed some offensive abilities.