Pittsburgh Trims Active Roster to 23

Brian Strait will begin the 2011-12 season in the AHL.

Pittsburgh announced moments ago the last round of cuts before their season starts Thursday night in Vancouver. This from the team's release:

Forward Jason Williams and defensemen Alexandre Picard and Brian Strait were re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL). Defenseman Joseph Morrow was returned to his junior team, the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Jason Williams and Alexandre Picard will have to clear waivers before coming to the WBS Penguins.


Here's a look at Pittsburgh's roster:

Injured Reserve (5): Sidney Crosby, Dustin Jeffrey, Nick Petersen, Robert Bortuzzo and Boris Valabik

Nick Petersen, Robert Bortuzzo and Boris Valabik should be sent to the AHL Penguins as soon as they are healthy.

Forwards (14): Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Steve Sullivan, Jordan Staal, Tyler Kennedy, Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis, Arron Asham, Matt Cooke, Mark Letestu, Craig Adams, Joe Vitale, Richard Park, Steve McIntyre

Once Dustin Jeffrey and Sidney Crosby return to the lineup, it looks like Joe Vitale and Richard Park could be on their way to Wilkes-Barre.

Defensemen (7): Kris Letang, Brooks Orpik, Paul Martin, Zbynek Michalek, Ben Lovejoy, Matt Niskanen and Deryk Engelland

Same seven defensemen as the end of last season. No surprises here.

Goalies (2): Marc-Andre Fleury and Brent Johnson