Yeah doesn’t seem like Ponomarev has a future here.

It would be huge if Pickering could be ready to go by next year. He could be the heir to the Martin/Dumoulin/Petterssen role here which we need to replace desperately. Him and Brunicke have the exact type of complementary skill and build for Letang and EK so the sooner they reach the show the better for us. Brunicke even carries some snarl with him
- Victoro311

Add Pieniemi is another one that might fit as a Pettersson type. I hope he turns pro, but still will need a couple years in WBS. Brunicke also feels unlikely for next year and would be the 3 RD behind Letang and EK if he made it.

It would be nice to sign someone more defensive that defends the crease, a rare time I agree with Grinder, but expecting something like Gryz, Graves, Kolyachonok, Shea with Pickering arriving later and starting at 3 LD.

Add Pieniemi is another one that might fit as a Pettersson type. I hope he turns pro, but still will need a couple years in WBS. Brunicke also feels unlikely for next year and would be the 3 RD behind Letang and EK if he made it.

It would be nice to sign someone more defensive that defends the crease, a rare time I agree with Grinder, but expecting something like Gryz, Graves, Kolyachonok, Shea with Pickering arriving later and starting at 3 LD.
- Tojo.

LD is wide open for anyone to earn decent minutes but RD brunicke would be better off getting real playing time in wbs

LD is wide open for anyone to earn decent minutes but RD brunicke would be better off getting real playing time in wbs
- 10inchTerror

Unfortunately he’s turning 19 in May so he can’t. It’s either the CHL or the big club for him.

Unfortunately he’s turning 19 in May so he can’t. It’s either the CHL or the big club for him.
- Victoro311

Ah. It strikes again

LD is wide open for anyone to earn decent minutes but RD brunicke would be better off getting real playing time in wbs
- 10inchTerror

Letang is an example of someone who went straight from juniors to third pair for a few years. Turned out fine, so I wouldn't hold him back I'd that happens. Third pair D plays more than 4th line forward.

Pens have 5 bottom pairing defenseman (at best) signed or under control next year with Shea, Graves, Konyachonok, Timmons, and St. Ivany. Tough for a prospect to break in if they have to waive 2 without blowing the competition away.

If they were serious about keeping Schenn, then that meant they were willing to put a huge roadblock in Brunicke's way, so don't think they are planning for him next year.