Previewing the 2012-13 Season (Part 2)

There's a lot of new faces up front for the Penguins this season.

Yesterday, we took a look at the defensemen and goalies. Today we look at the forwards. There's a few familiar faces, but a lot of new ones to learn as well as some promising rookies that have a chance to make an impact right away.

The Penguins recalled forward Adam Payerl from the Wheeling Nailers, just a few days after being sent there. The recall was necessary after Jayson Megna left Wednesday night's practice. Also, Steve MacIntyre is still working to get into game shape so an extra forward was needed.

If you missed the preview of the blue liners and and netminders you can scroll down to Part 1 or click here.

So without further ado, let's get on with it! They play for keeps starting tomorrow night..

Beau Bennett
2011-12 Stats (WCHA): 10 games played, 4G, 9A, 25 PIM

A wrist injury limited Bennett to only 10 games in his last season at the University of Denver. This preseason was his first game action in almost a year. But all eyes are on him when the puck drops this Saturday. The former first round pick is practicing with the team's top power play unit and will likely end up in a top-six role with the AHL Penguins.

 











Phillipe Dupuis
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 42 games played, 15G, 16A, +12, 8 PIM

At the AHL level, Dupuis has proven himself as a go to guy on offense. He's also had playoff success last season with the AHL's Toronto Marlies as he notched 14 points in 17 games. Another top six forward who should see some power play time and can be leaned on for clutch scoring.

 








Benn Ferriero
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 20 games played, 9G, 11A, +6, 18 PIM

Ferriero has spent the last three seasons splitting time between the NHL and AHL with the Sharks organization. A point per game player at the AHL level who has seen time on the point with Joe Morrow.

Brian Gibbons
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 70 games played, 11G, 19A, +4, 26 PIM

Entering his second season of pro hockey, Gibbons needs to start the season off strong as he did in his rookie campaign. He registered nine points in his first nine games with the Penguins last season.

 








Riley Holzapfel
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 57 games played, 16G, 21A, +11, 42 PIM

Holzapfel spent last season split between St. Johns and Syracuse, finishing the season with the Crunch and registering 22 points (8G-14A) in the final 28 games. Can be put anywhere up and down the lineup but looks to start this season in a bottom six checking/energy line role.

 











Steve MacIntyre
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 24 games played, 1G, 0A, -3, 59 PIM

MacIntyre has recently come to terms on an AHL deal with the Penguins and will be out there to keep things stable and in control physically. Hands down one of the toughest guys in the league. A good guy to have on your team when things get out of hand.

Denver Manderson
2011-12 Stats (ECHL): 52 games played, 18G, 22A, +11, 44 PIM

Manderson was hurt during a fight in the third period of the final preseason game in Hershey on Sunday. Not sure if he will be sent to Wheeling when he is healthy. Manderson is a former linemate of Beau Bennett where the two played for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL.

Jayson Megna
2011-12 Stats (WCHA): 38 games played, 13G, 18A, 27 PIM

Megna joins the Penguins after just one season of college hockey at the University of Omaha-Nebraska. He was very impressive in the preseason, scoring a goal in each of the three games he played.

Adam Payerl
2011-12 Stats (OHL):  61 games played, 22G, 25A, +2, 106 PIM

The physical forward loves to hit and has a knack for being around the net. A power forward that will be exciting to watch when paired with Zach Sill on the 4th line energy line. Played well in the preseason, scoring a big goal late in the third period of the Pens lone preseason win up in western New York.

 







Warren Peters
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 20 games played, 7G, 4A, -1, 46 PIM

Peters captained the Houston Aeros the past two seasons and could be the Penguins captain this year. He split time between the NHL and AHL last season with the Minnesota Wild, only appearing in 20 AHL games in 2011-12 but brings valuable experience and can mentor rookie forwards.

 











Zach Sill
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 68 games played, 10G, 7A, -1, 40 PIM

Sill is a fan favorite in Wilkes-Barre. His hard working, in your face style will help the Pens this season, especially on the penalty kill and when the team is looking for a spark. Sill can do it all.

 






Trevor Smith
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 64 games played, 26G, 43A, +34, 70 PIM

Smith led a stacked Norfolk Admirals team to a Calder Cup last season.  A point per game player at the AHL level, Smith will be the Pens' top line center and control the half-wall on the first power play unit.
 

Eric Tangradi
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 37 games played, 15G, 16A, +1, 40 PIM

Tangradi has a lot of eyes on him as he enters a critical season with the AHL Penguins. The power forward needs to establish himself as a legitimate, full-time NHL forward who is ready for the big league if/when the lockout concludes.

 











Paul Thompson
2011-12 Stats (AHL): 67 games played, 10G, 15A, -1, 37 PIM

Thompson is looking to build off his rookie season. He played well in the preseason and you can tell he is hungry for more. Could be a breakout year for the former University of New Hampshire forward.

 











Keven Veilleux
2011-12 Stats (AHL): None

Keven won't be ready for the season opener though he is nearing a return to game action. He has been in full contact practice mode all preseason. A physical power-forward type that can play a checking or scoring role.