Getting Ready for the 2011-12 Season

As we turn the calendars to August and get closer to the 13th season of Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins hockey in October, the updates and happenings become slim. Most of the notable NHL and AHL free agents have already found new homes and the depth charts are starting to take form heading into training camps in September.

The Penguins organization currently has 49 NHL contracts, one short of the 50-max limit. Two of those contracts, entry level deals to defenseman Scott Harrington and forward Tom Kuhnhackl, won't count against the limit since both players will be returning to junior hockey. That puts the Penguins at 47 NHL deals heading into the season and as stated earlier, GM Ray Shero likes to have some wiggle room in case mid-season deals are needed. I don't see the Penguins adding any more NHL contracts to the organization this offseason. They could fit one more and still have some flexibility but I would say it's unlikely at this point.

Coming later this week, we'll take a look at the entire organizational depth at each position.

Here's some information on what the WBS Penguins team has in store so far for the rest of the summer and offseason:

Pensfest, featuring Ryan Schnell and Joey Mormina, will take place at the WBS Penguins practice facility, the Coal Street Rink, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 19th. More details regarding the event here.

The second annual Black & Gold game on September 19th at 7:05 p.m. will again take place at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Last year's game was a success and featured Sidney Crosby vs. Evgeni Malkin. It's a great way to see current and future NHL Penguins players in an exhibition setting. Tickets went on sale today at noon according to the team's website.