Ekbom. Rogalski. Thompson. How Do They Fit WBS Picture?

A lot of news regarding injuries, roster moves, etc. today so let me give you all of that.

The Good News - Brad Thiessen has been sent back to the WBS Penguins and will most likely be the starter in net tomorrow when the Pens take on the Norfolk Admirals at The Scope. That move meant Patrick Killeen's time in the AHL is over for now.  Defenseman Alex Grant was also reassigned to Wheeling.

The Bad News - Pittsburgh head coach Dan Bylsma said today that Dustin Jeffrey's MRI revealed knee damage and that he will need further evaluation. Not a good sign for DJ or the WBS Penguins, who were hoping to add him for the AHL playoffs after Pittsburgh's run was over.

The New Guys
For those who didn't already know, the Pens have added a few guys who have had their seasons end elsewhere.

More on them after the jump....



Joe Rogalski, a defensive prospect from the Sarnia Sting, has been with the team for about a week or so.

Victor Ekbom, from the Swedish Elite league, is a bigger defenseman who focuses on defense as evidenced by his lack of offensive production this year (0 goals).

The real prize of the bunch here is the signing of Paul Thompson. A good account of Thompson from Pensburgh's Jimmy Rixner:

Paul Thompson, college hockey's leading PP scorer, Hockey East player of the year and Hobey Baker finalist.  Thompson's senior season with New Hampshire recently ended, so the undrafted player was open to sign with any NHL team.  Thompson spent time last year with the Penguins at a rookie development camp, and the familiarity with the organization had to have factored heavily in his decision.

While all three players could see action for the Pens this season, I think it's highly unlikely. They are here to practice with the team, get acclimated to hockey at the pro level and be ready for next season. That could change, however, if the Pens wrap up the AHL's number one seed and have a few games left in the season to get a look at any of these three. We'll have to wait and see I guess.

A good look at the East Division race for second place here.



I will have a preview of tomorrow's game sometime tomorrow afternoon. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and follow this blog on Facebook for more up to the minute Penguins updates.