Penguins Wrap: McGroarty Shines in Interview; Bobblehead News

As August comes to a close, Pittsburgh Penguins training camp creeps ever closer. No, there is still no new contract for team captain and megastar Sidney Crosby, but it’s time to look at what might transpire in the preseason and beyond.

Still somewhat fresh off the acquisition of Rutger McGroarty and all the implications there, the Penguins might not be done with offseason maneuverings. And of all the things the Penguins might be this season, boring is not one of them.

That’s the annual fun aspect to this time of year. This week, though, an awful tragedy rocked the hockey world, and it hit a Penguins player particularly hard.

Saturday: If you’ve been thinking that the Penguins have a whole lot of bodies, particularly among forwards, you aren’t wrong. That could mean there are more moves on the way.

Sunday: A lot of the Penguins trades this season have had a common thread — they have brought in players looking to regain their best selves and have been salary dumps for trade partners. Things changed with the acquisition of Rutger McGoarty.

Monday: This is fun. The Penguins have worked to keep their core together for going on two decades. Here’s a look back how things developed with four key moments.

Tuesday: A potential new winger for Sidney Crosby? What would that look like? Those topics, the Penguins’ top youngsters and more are addressed in Dan Kingerski’s Q&A.

Wednesday: Rutger McGroarty met with Pittsburgh reporters. The newly acquired prospect was personable and realistic. He fully expects to get only what he deserves in terms of a roster spot and hasn’t been promised anything.

There’s a disconnect that has plagued the Penguins for several years. They have not drafted well enough to stock their lineup with good, young talent. Take a look in Penguins One-Timers.

The Penguins are holding bobblehead giveaway nights. This season, there is a theme. The bobbleheads of Mario Lemieux and four others will celebrate championship moments.

Thursday: Maybe you think the Penguins have improved their team from last season. Maybe not. But here’s an interesting observation: Whatever they might be this season, they will not be boring.

Friday: The whole hockey world and beyond stopped in its tracks. The awful, stunning news came that a road incident had taken the lives of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother.

Newly acquired Penguins forward Kevin Hayes has been a close friend of Gaudreau’s for years. Hayes took to social media to pay tribute.