Kris Letang described the first practice of training camp under new coach Dan Muse as “pretty intense” and Erik Karlsson said it was one of the harder first-day skates he’s done. Muse welcomed 69 players to the ice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
One player who did not survive the first day was rugged winger Kevin Hayes, who suffered an upper body injury when he took a hit along the boards from defenseman Ryan Graves.
Muse said all of the players on the preseason roster will get a chance to show their stuff.
Captain Sidney Crosby said the camp will be different, but the goal is the same, to prepare for a long season.
President of Hockey Operation Kyle Dubas says the Penguins’ offseason roster reshaping puts the team on the path to a return to championship hockey.
The first exhibition game is Monday night at Montreal.
More from Kyle Dubas:
On the prospect of trading Sidney Crosby, Dubas was guarded.
Veteran stars Eric Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell all have some extra incentive for playing well this season: the possibility of playing in the Olympics.
Tristan Jarry is the obvious first choice at goaltender, but there is plenty of competition in the net.
Dubas expects Karlsson to have a great season.
The Penguins’ veterans can’t afford to take it easy in training camp or the exhibition season, with young up-and-comers pressing them.
Dubas feels he has young guys in camp who will be contributors at the NHL level this season.
Dubas feels that if the Penguins return to contention and start winning in the playoffs again, he’ll have no problems attracting free agents to Pittsburgh.
Comments