The Penguins called forward Tristan Broz from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton today. In a few corresponding moves, they dispatched a rookie defender Harrison Brunicke and forward Philip Tomasino to the Baby Pens.
I actually thought there would be changes in the wake of Friday’s awful game against the Wild and Saturday’s disappointing come-from-in-front overtime loss to the Kraken. Especially given coach And Muse’s displeasure.
For example, I am satisfied with the moves, especially with Broz’s promotion. I don’t really have anything other than a gut feeling and his history of big success on a big stage, not to mention the solid production from the kid with the Baby Pens (eight goals and 13 points in 18 games). But something tells me Broz is going to be a “money player.”
Not necessarily a star, mind you. Just a player who makes a solid contribution and has a penchant for scoring multiple goals. A bit along the lines of Bryan Rust.
It makes sense to send Brunicke to the Baby Pens with a 14-day conditioning loan. The 19-year-old faded quickly after a hot start and clearly wasn’t ready for the NHL’s shark tank, but he’s too good for the juniors. Those in the know expect him to be loaned to Team Canada for the World Junior Championships after his time in Wilkes.
For Tomasino it is the latest step on the organizational ladder. After a strong preseason, he failed to produce for the Pens in a part-time role (a lone assist in nine games), leading to the former first-round pick being placed on waivers last Tuesday without any players.
Perhaps the 24-year-old forward can take advantage of the opportunity to rediscover his game, like Tristan Jarry And Ryan Graven to have.
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