Penguins Practice: Letang Dropped to PP2; Friedman, Other Hopefuls Absent

The Pittsburgh Penguins invited season ticket holders to view what could be considered either the last practice of training camp or the first practice of the regular season. With final cutdowns looming, a few Penguins roster hopefuls did not attend the practice held at PPG Paints Arena.

Notables Mark Friedman, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Austin Wagner were not on the ice. Colin White, who signed a two-way deal Saturday to remain with the organization, was not present, either.

Radim Zohorna, Jansen Harkins, and surprise seventh defenseman candidate Ryan Shea were part of the practice. Surprisingly, 2021 first-round pick Owen Pickering was also on the ice, but he’s been rehabbing in Pittsburgh and did not participate in all drills.

Players who are not waivers exempt must be placed on waivers Sunday to clear on Monday at 2 p.m. Final rosters are due Monday at 5 p.m. ET. Waivers won’t be known until 2 p.m. unless coach Mike Sullivan, who is also set to address the season ticket holders Sunday, or Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas announces them prior.

It does appear Harkins, Zohorna, and Shea have made the team. Wagner was on a PTO.

“I’m obviously very excited. Things can change day in and day out, but the ultimate goal is to make this team,” said Shea. “No matter what number I am, you get to practice with the big dogs every day and just get better every day. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Power Play Work

The Penguins’ top power play unit scored a pair of goals against the Buffalo Sabres Friday in their 7-4 win at KeyBank Center. The practice began with more power play work.

PP1; Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel, Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson

PP2: Bryan Rust, Jeff Carter, Reilly Smith, Jansen Harkins, Kris Letang

The Penguins did not do line rushes. PHN will update the story after coach Sullivan speaks.