Penguins training camp opens in Cranberry today, but without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the ice. Both are out with injuries. Crosby had wrist surgery two weeks ago and Malkin had knee surgery after the playoffs ended in June. The absence of the two superstar centers has created a hole up the middle for the Penguins, but it’s also an opportunity for young players to state their case for making the team. With veterans such as Sam Lafferty and Dominick Simon capable of playing center, even young wingers can make an impact.
Penguins director of player development Scott Young says the team’s cupboard is not as empty as some would have you believe.
Young likes what he sees of developing prospects Sam Poulin and Nathan Legare . They stood out at the team’s prospects camp and have a shot to make the big club.
Poulin was the Penguins’ number one draft choice in 2019, and the Pens traded up to take Legare in the third round of that draft. They skated on a line together last season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and both were very productive offensively.
Training camp practices are open to the public. The session today through Sunday get underway at 9 AM.
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