Another draft has come and gone but the Penguins sure went in a different direction during this year's draft. As you know, this was the first draft under GMJR and coach Mike Johnston+administration, therefore, the Pens decided against the route of drafting 34534535 defenseman. However, even before the Pens made a pick they managed to jam up the entire internet and cause many Instagram #MCM's to die, trading 40 goal scorer and 412 shirt champion James Neal. Neal was dealt to Nashville for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling.
So James Neal gets dealt for two guys who Pittsburgh doesn't know much about, right? Let's take a look at why this deal should work well for Pittsburgh. Hornqvist, 27, will slide into James Neal's spot on the Malkin line, thus most likely making Malkin shoot more and optimize his performance. Also, in 2009-2010 season on the Predators mind you, Hornqvist recorded 30 goals, 21 assists in 80 games. More recently, in 2013-2014 Patric recorded 22 goals and 31 assists in 76 games. Hornqvist has hit the 20 goal plateau four times in his NHL career and for being in Nashville, those numbers stand out. Now give him Evgeni Malkin and goodnight moon. Hornqvist should be a complete player on the Malkin line. GMJR was quoted saying, "We like Hornqvist a lot. We just think he's a complete player, an all-around player, a guy that plays with an edge and is going to be good in the playoffs. And also a right-hand shot. We don't have many right-hand shots. so that was another plus." Hornqvist is also known as a guy who goes to the net to make things happen, which the Pens / any team in the NHL would love to have.
****Plus when you have a shirt like this, you don't lose****
 |
| Horny |
 |
| Spal So Hard University |
FOR
The second guy the Penguins acquired was Nick Spaling, 25, is a gritty guy who is versatile enough to play both wings and center. However, Spaling is an RFA come July 1st, which means it is up to the Penguins to sign him. Spaling has played 297 NHL games and recorded 40 goals and 44 assists for 84 points. Spaling was drafted 58th overall in the 2007 NHL entry draft. Spaling's versatility could make him very effective in the Penguins lineup, especially since the Penguins are letting all their UFA's walk (THANK GOD) thus freeing up a spot on that bottom six.
NOW TO THE DRAFT.
The Penguins did something they haven't in ten years by drafting a European forward in the first round. Selected 22nd overall, welcome to the Pens Kasperi Kapanen. Kapanen is 17 years old and this smaller right wing, listed as 5'11 179lbs. is a beast on skates. Kapanen is known for his speed and shot and for making the players around him better. Kasperi is coming from playing in the SM-Liiga, which means he has what it takes and has played against NHL caliber talent. In addition, Kapanen was rated the number one European skater by NHL Central Registry and thought to be the best European player in the draft by many. His past season was subpar recording 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points for his Finish Elite League team, however he has preformed well on the international scale, as he recorded 9 points for Finland at the 2013 World Juniors. He was unable to play in the 2014 World Juniors due to a shoulder injury. Uniquely enough, GMJR also drafted Kasperi's father Sami in 1995 with the 87th overall pick when he was the GM for Hartford. Pen's scouts feel Kapanen is said to be a year or two away from playing in Pittsburgh so watch for him to progress and fast. Kapanen criticized himself by saying, "I think defensively, I have to be better if I want to play in the NHL. It's a league for men; it's the best league in the world." Look for this speedy, playmaking winger to further develop and make a name for himself in the Penguins' organization soon.
 |
| Suomi DOEEEEEEEEEE #WeHeartFins |
 |
| 22nd overall pick Kasperi Kapanen owning noobs (Russia) |
The Penguins did not have a pick in both the second or third rounds so next up was the 4th round 113th overall in which the Penguins took local boy Sam Lafferty. Lafferty is from Hollidaysburg, which is near Altoona meaning another local guy has a chance to make a name for himself in the NHL, which is always a good thing. Lafferty grew up rooting for the Penguins and spent his three previous seasons playing high school prep hockey in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Lafferty is listed at 6'0 175lbs right winger. This past season Lafferty recorded 21 goals and 34 assists for 55 points. Lafferty will spend a year playing in the United State Hockey League before heading to Brown University for the 2015-2016 season. Lafferty compared himself to local talent using Brandon Sutter as his model saying; "I try to model my game after Brandon Sutter. Just a good, complete, two-way player who's responsible but also very skilled." Being 113th overall and playing high school prep hockey always makes this a chancy pick, but if Lafferty can produce in the USHL next season, Pens fans should keep an eye on him.
 |
| Sam Lafferty using board play skills |
In the fifth round, 145th overall the Penguins selected Anthony Angello with the compensation they received from trading superstar defenseman Ben Lovejoy. Angello is listed at 6'4 190lbs. forward making him a twig. Angello recorded 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 58 games with his USHL club. Angello like Lafferty, is taking the college route as he plans to play for Cornell next season. Angello is American born, coming from Albany, New York and was ranked the 114th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. "From a player development standpoint, I like to get better each and every day,'' Angello said of putting off the start of a pro career. "However long it takes me to be an impact player in the NHL, that's how long i'll wait." "I’m a big power forward that plays the physical role, wins his 1-on-1 battles & grinds at the net-front. I finish all my hits."
 |
| Angello attempts to glitch goal off the face-off |
In the sixth round and 173rd overall the Penguins selected Jaden Lindo from the OHL. Lindo is listed at 6'1 202lbs. right-wing. Over the past two seasons playing for the Owen Sound Attack Lindo recorded: 103 games played with 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points. One interesting fact is that he is listed on hockeyfights.com, which means YASSSSSS he's an enforcer. From Lindo's player profile on mynhldraft.com: "Possessing a seemingly non-stop motor, Lindo is quick on the forecheck and a pain to play against. He plays 200-feet, does the little things and is willing to take the necessary abuse to help his team win." Lindo was ranked as the 116th overall skater by ISS and 154th overall by the NHL Central Scouting. *Originally Lindo was ranked 96th overall at midseason but suffered a knee injury*
 |
| #GritAndCharacter Jaden Lindo |
 |
| Jeff Taylor doing something |
Overall:
Under the new regime it was nice to see the Penguins selected a European stud with much promise in Kaspries Kapanen at 22nd overall, who may have been a steal by the Pens being taken so late in the draft. In addition, the Penguins added 3 more forwards and 1 defenseman.
- Kaspries Kapanen, 22nd overall - Forward
- Sam Lafferty, 113th overall - Forward
- Anthony Angello, 145th overall -Forward
- Jaden Lindo, 173rd overall - Forward
- Jeff Taylor, 203rd overall - Defense
Stay tuned for more offseason updates such as #KuleminWatch and #GritAndToughnessWatch
Lets Go Pens.
No comments:
Post a Comment