Pittsburgh Penguins Professional Tryout Signings: Evaluating the Potential Impact of Pysyk, Hajek, and Wagner
The Pittsburgh Penguins front office hasn’t made a secret of wanting to bolster their on-ice team or fill in roster holes left by previous management. The moving and shaking continued this morning when the Penguins officially announced three professional tryout signings for defensemen Mark Pysyk, Libor Hajek, and forward Austin Wagner.
PTOs aren’t typically blockbuster moves, but the players in the mix can earn a place on the team while pushing younger players to live up to their potential by forcing them to compete for their spots. President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas has been lauded around the league and the Penguins’ fan base for grabbing the reigns of the organization and hitting the ground running to round out the roster and put the best team he can on the ice for the upcoming season. These three PTO signings signal that he has an apparent vision regarding what he wants his team to look like once their season starts on October 10 vs. the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard.
Who are Pysyk, Hajek, and Wagner, and what could Dubas, the Wizard of Ice, see in them that warrants their individual PTO?
Mark Pysyk - Steady and Versatile Defenseman:
Mark Pysyk, a 31-year-old defenseman, has been a steady presence on the blue line throughout his career. Known for his reliability and defensive acumen, Pysyk may not put up eye-popping offensive numbers, Pysyk's value lies in his ability to contribute defensively and play a versatile role. Pysyk’s defensive capabilities could quickly silence the criticisms of those worried about Erik Karlsson’s aggressive offense not being sufficient on the blue line.
With a career average ice time of over 17 minutes per game, Pysyk, drafted by the Buffalo Sabres 23rd overall in 2010 and is a former player on the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Detroit Red Wings, has proven himself capable of handling significant minutes. His solid positioning, shot-blocking skills, and ability to make intelligent decisions with the puck make him a valuable asset on the penalty kill. While not known for his physicality, Pysyk can effectively use his size and strength in board battles and clearing the crease. Those attributes could prove valuable on the penalty kill, a weak spot in the Penguins' arsenal last season.
Libor Hajek - Young Talent with Upside:
At just 25 years old, Libor Hajek brings youth and potential to the Penguins' blue line. The former second-round draft pick has shown promise in his limited NHL exposure with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. Hajek has some experience in the NHL, but most of his career has been spent developing his game in the AHL so far. He possesses the tools to be reliable on the bottom defensive pairing at the professional level.
Hajek's size and mobility make him an intriguing prospect. Standing 6'2" tall and weighing around 200 pounds, he has the physical attributes to match up against opposing forwards effectively. Hajek's ability to move the puck and join the rush adds another dimension to his game. As he continues refining his defensive skills and gaining experience, Hajek could become a valuable contributor to the Penguins' blue line.
Austin Wagner - Speed and Energy:
Austin Wagner provides a different skill set as a forward with his speed and energy. Known for his blazing skating ability, Wagner brings a dynamic element to the Penguins' lineup that both Dubas and Head Coach Mike Sullivan love to see in players. At 26 years old, he still has room for growth and development, making him an intriguing option.
While his offensive production has been modest thus far in his career, Wagner's speed can create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to pressure opposing defensemen on the forecheck and create turnovers adds value beyond the score sheet. With his work ethic and intensity, Wagner can spark the Penguins' bottom-six forward group and contribute to their overall team speed.
Potential Impact on the Penguins:
While these signings are not guaranteed roster spots, Pysyk, Hajek, and Wagner each bring unique qualities that could benefit the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pysyk's defensive reliability and versatility would stabilize the blue line and strengthen the penalty kill. Hajek's youth and potential add depth to the defense corps and offer future upside. Wagner's speed and energy would inject additional tempo into the Penguins' forward group and provide depth scoring options.
Moreover, these tryout signings create internal competition within the team, pushing established players to elevate their games and giving the coaching staff options when making final roster decisions. The Penguins' management recognizes the importance of depth and competition in building a successful team, and these signings reflect their commitment to continue refining their roster.
The Penguins front office’s message of “win now” has been evident since Dubas’ hiring at the beginning of June. With two defensive signings going into camp, Dubas has created murky waters for current players like Chad Ruhwedel and P.O. Joseph to navigate. Veteran Ruhwedel must show he’s still got the competitive fight, while Joseph needs to have a breakout year to keep his spot. The fringe players could suddenly find themselves in uncomfortable positions, needing to prove they’re worthy and hungry going into next season.
The 2023 Summer offseason for the Penguins has been action-packed. Dubas and company have put on quite a show regardless of which players shine at camp. Seeing how it plays out once the season starts will be exciting.