Pittsburgh Penguins: Prospects Reveal Why Veterans Were Needed

The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped game three of the preseason to the Detroit Red Wings in a landslide. But, the score and eventual outcome isn’t necessarily concerning this time of year, it’s the individual performances of Pittsburgh’s youth that is.

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At this point, we’ve witnessed a lot of this group through the Pens’ prospect camp, the rookie tournament in London and now training camp and preseason games. One thing is abundantly clear throughout all of this, it’s easy to see why Jim Rutherford and the Pittsburgh Penguins felt the need to sign veterans like Matt Cullen.

As angry as some were when the it seemed the Pens were blocking out their youth, you have to look at this team and see that the youth wasn’t going to cut it. I don’t think they’re in dire straits like some out there but I can see that very few of them are ready for this level.

Pouliot Struggling to Shine for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Derrick Pouliot is the biggest disappointment for me so far through the little bit of hockey we’ve seen. He didn’t stand out during prospect camp and looked lethargic during the rookie tournament, other than his attempts at playing more physical, which landed him in the penalty box. Also, in his first preseason appearance against Detroit last night, he was continuously beat in 50/50 battles and actually found himself falling behind the play quite often.

Mar 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Derrick Pouliot (51) skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pouliot’s performance has to be alarming for Pittsburgh. He’s looked at as a viable option for top-four minutes this season and isn’t showing that he is developing enough. Is it due to the focus on intensity and “snarl” that the coaching staff has tasked him with? I’m not sure that’s the case considering he didn’t exactly play with an edge against Detroit either. It was just an all-around bad game.

Whatever the issue, it needs to be figured out quickly. The Pens need him to be the player he’s capable of being, as they’re banking on him playing an NHL role in 2015-16. If he continues to struggle it could force Jim Rutherford’s hand in making another deal to bring in a defenseman.

The Pittsburgh Penguins protected Pouliot in the Phil Kessel trade. Let’s hope they made the right decision by keeping him around.

Who’s Going to Step Up and Earn a Roster Spot?

As of right now, the answer to the question above is ‘no one’. There are some prospects that have had good camps but no one has completely separated themselves from the pack.

Conor Sheary is a name you’ll constantly hear mentioned among those that could be ready for an NHL role. And, he’s having a pretty good camp. However, he was given an opportunity to play alongside Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist last night and didn’t really capitalize. He kept up from a speed perspective but lacked the playmaking ability to make plays in the offensive zone.

Oskar Sundqvist is another name that has been good, but not great so far. Many were upset that the Pittsburgh Penguins signed Matt Cullen this summer instead of banking on Sundqvist to take the fourth line center role. Well, until he starts making a stronger impression, Cullen is the guy I’d want anchoring that line. Sundqvist hasn’t been bad by any means but he also hasn’t been stellar. Stellar is a trait I expect to see from youngsters with an opportunity to make the NHL.

Lastly, has anyone seen Scott Wilson and Bryan Rust? Both were largely considered viable candidates to fill out the NHL roster. However, both look like mediocre AHL call-ups at this point in camp.

Despite being fairly critical of the young depth players in this organization, I’m not pessimistic about the upcoming season at all. And, there have been a few bright spots like Daniel Sprong and Adam Clendening. Both have been very impressive. It is quite obvious why Jim Rutherford felt it was necessary to fill-out this roster via trades and free agency though, as the youngsters that we’re seeing are not ready for the NHL.

Next: Sprong's Goal is to Make the Pens - Now

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