What Will AHL Penguins Roster Look Like?

With the news coming down from Pittsburgh that Brian Strait, Alexandre Picard and Jason Williams are on their way to the AHL to play for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins to start the 2011-12 season, many are wondering what the AHL Penguins roster will look like for opening night on Saturday against the Hershey Bears.


The Penguins have sent a few players to Wheeling. Those being Patrick Killeen, Alex Kangas, Chad Langlais, Zach Torquato and Denver Manderson.

I'm also going to put Robert Bortuzzo, Boris Valabik and Nick Petersen on the WBS roster because that's where they will be once they are healthy enough to resume skating. Only Valabik would have to go through waivers.

Here's what the roster would look like.


Forwards

On The Team (12): Eric Tangradi, Ryan Craig, Colin McDonald, Jason Williams, Bryan Lerg, Geoff Walker, Zach Sill, Paul Thompson, Brian Gibbons, Ben Street, Keven Veilleux (Injured), Nick Petersen (Injured)


On The Bubble (7): Brian Day, Brandon DeFazio, Ryan Schnell, Cody Chupp, Devin DiDiomete, Chris Barton, Martin Moucha

Highland Park Hockey's Take?

With Veilleux and Petersen hurt, there's 3-4 spots open up front to be on the team right now, but more like 2-3 once Petersen is ready, and maybe not any spots open for these bubble forwards once Sidney Crosby and Dustin Jeffrey return from injury in Pittsburgh. That would likely send Joe Vitale and Richard Park to Wilkes-Barre.

I would think the Penguins would keep Brandon DeFazio, Ryan Schnell and possibly Brian Day or Cody Chupp. I think it's goodbye to the rest and good luck in Wheeling. Who knows, we could see all of these guys at some point this season. Injuries and call-ups happen.


Defensemen 

On The Team (7): Alexandre Picard, Brian Strait, Robert Bortuzzo (Injured), Boris Valabik (Injured), Simon Despres, Carl Sneep, Joey Mormina


On The Bubble (5): Alex Grant, Andrew Hotham, Philip Samuelsson, Cody Wild, Nick Plastino

Highland Park Hockey's Take?

Once Bortuzzo and Valabik return to Wilkes-Barre from the injured reserve, the top seven defensemen should be set with the seven guys I have listed.  But for right now, I think Alex Grant and/or Andrew Hotham can make this team to start the season. Samuelsson wasn't very impressive and while Wild looked decent, I don't think he made a strong enough case.

Goalies (2): Brad Thiessen and Scott Munroe

Highland Park Hockey's Take?

No surprises here. Both goalies played well in the preseason. Not that it means too much stats wise, but at least it could be a sign of things to come.