The Penguins yesterday named Sergei Gonchar to the coaching staff. The former star defenseman and power play specialist will help with those two areas for the Penguins, working from the press box during games.
Gonchar has been serving as the Penguins organization’s defensive development coach for the last two seasons but has resisted becoming a full-time assistant coach, He says his wife’s willingness to handle more family responsibilities will allow him to join Mike Sullivan’s coaching staff. Gonchar played for the Penguins from 2005 to 2010.
Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby has been holding his annual hockey camp for kids in his native Nova Scotia this week, and yesterday he held a news conference at which he said he’s already begun training for next season. He also fielded a question about whether his multiple concussions have ever made him consider retirement.
Crosby suffered a concussion in the Washington series in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, but missed only the rest of that game and the next game before returning.
The Pens have re-signed forward Josh Archibald and defenseman Derrick Pouliot. Archibald inked a two-year deal, while Pouliot signed for one year. Archibald had three goals in 10 games last season. Pouliot did not record a point in 11 games.
