Pens Points: May Arrives
Pens Points is here to start your Wednesday with some news and headlines you may have missed.
It’s been a beautiful few days in Pittsburgh as spring arrives in force and the calendar flips from April to May. This weather feels like the Pittsburgh Penguins should be in a playoff battle but sadly that is not the case again this season.
Pens Points...
There may be some smoke but there doesn’t appear to be any fire to the rumors of Mike Sullivan potentially speaking to the New Jersey Devils about their head coach opening with Kyle Dubas going on the record to shut down all speculation. [Pensburgh]
It was revealed after the season that Kris Letang was battling what was believed to be a serious ailment, but whatever the issue, it sure hasn’t slowed down his patented offseason workouts. [The Hockey News]
Tristan Broz played a key factor in the Denver Pioneers recent National Championship, then made the leap to the professional game during the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins brief playoff appearance. [Trib Live]
For once it seems, P. O. Joseph will be able to focus on improving this offseason without a cloud of trade rumors surrounding him after his strong play late in the season looks to have been enough to keep him in Pittsburgh. [The Hockey News]
Despite missing a chunk of games, Bryan Rust posted one of the best seasons of his career, a major bounce back from last season. Now the Penguins hope there are others who can follow his path next season. [Pensburgh]
NHL News and Notes...
As expected, Connor Bedard leads a very strong Calder Trophy field for the NHL’s top rookie honor. Bedard is joined by a pair of defensemen in Brock Faber as Luke Hughes as finalists for the award. [Sportsnet]
Arizona was no longer a viable home for the Coyotes franchise and a new location was badly needed. With Salt Lake City now home base, the NHL is hoping it has struck gold in The Beehive State, though there are no guarantees. [The Hockey News]