PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – They may not be flashy or sexy picks, but a former Pens Stanley Cup champion says it’s the direction the team should go with at least one of its first-round picks Friday in the NHL Draft.
Among the top-rated prospects available are a couple of physical defensemen. Its where Tyler Kennedy tells the PM Team GM Kyle Dubas should add.
“I think you take care of your defense first especially with how this year went,” Kennedy told Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller. “We are really missing a guy like Brooks Orpik, Rob Scuderi, like a Brian Dumoulin. A guy that you can let those guys like Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson run because you know you have a guy that is always going to stay back. A guy that is always going to make the right decision with the puck. I think you are looking for a guy like that, especially right now.”
Defensemen ranked around the Pens picks of 11th and 12th overall
· 6’3” Jackson Smith is currently in the Western Hockey League and according to various draft reports plays a simple, physical game.
· 6’6” Radim Mrtka is also in the WHL. His size and length makes him difficult to get around and the potential to be a key penalty-killer
· 6’1” Kashawn Aitcheson plays in the Ontario Hockey League with an aggressive mindset and is physical all over the ice.
· 6’4” Blake Fiddler is the son of a former NHL player who is in the WHL and not only can play physically but with a good hockey IQ.
It’s not to say they would be on the roster immediately, however looking at the Pens roster it’s likely the quickest way to the NHL. Ryan Shea might be the closest thing to what Kennedy said they need.
“I think defense was a big problem last year which needs to be addressed,” Kennedy told The PM Team. “If they have a guy like that, I think he could help a lot with just simple plays. Get it out of the zone and getting it away from some of their goalie situations.”
“We need some sandpaper. We need some guys back there that when you go in the front of the net, you remember why you don’t go there too much, because you are going to take a beating. When you have guys that let you hang out in front of the net and don’t make you pay the price, they score too many goals there.”
Too often the Pens goalies were left defenseless with opposing players camping out in the paint. Dubas has 10 picks in this week’s draft, even if it’s not the first round, it’s an area that must be addressed.