As of the time I am writing this (Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 8:30 p.m.) the NHLPA has yet to sign the memo of understanding that would officially end the lockout and open training camps around the NHL. But with that expected at any time now, training camp rosters are starting to form and become clearer. UPDATE: The memo of understanding has been signed, the NHL lockout is officially over.
So far, the Pittsburgh Penguins have brought three forwards and one defenseman to Pittsburgh for to get looks during training camp. Not surprisingly, those who made the trip from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to Pittsburgh include Eric Tangradi and Beau Bennett. However, as a bit of a shocker, Jayson Megna has also made the journey via the Pennsylvania turnpike. Megna was signed to a two-year entry-level deal on August 1, 2012, having played college hockey during the 2011-2012 season at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. This season, playing in Wilkes-Barre, the twenty-two year old has registered six points in nineteen games. “I’m pretty excited to be here,” said Megna to Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins.
Along with Tangradi and Bennett in the “no surprise” category, the Penguins called up defenseman Simon Despres. In twenty-seven games with the Penguins of the AHL, Despres has scored four goals and chipped in with four assists. Joining their fellow defenseman, the Penguins are also expected to bring up Robert Bortuzzo and Brian Strait. Bortuzzo and Strait were both held out of Wilkes-Barre’s game against the Adirondack Phantoms on Saturday night, which shows they may be on their way to Pittsburgh.
The Penguins season schedule can be found here with highlights examined here. Training camp will open Sunday with a practice scheduled for 3:10 p.m. at Southpointe. The rest of training camp will be held at Consol Energy Center with time to be determined.
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