Czecking in on the kiddos

The juniors are already almost 10 games into their seasons, so let's take a peek at some select Penguins prospects:

Angelo Esposito (C, Quebec Ramparts, QMJHL): 6 games played, 4 goals, 4 assists, 8 points, 6 PIMs, even
Kevin Veilleux (C, Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL): 8gp, 2g, 2a, 4p, 12 PIM, -5
Jacob Muzzin (D, Sault St. Marie Greyhounds, OHL): 8gp, 0g, 5a, 5p, +1
Dustin Jeffrey (C, Sault St. Marie Greyhounds, OHL): 5gp, 4g, 8a, 12 points, even
Jean-Phillip Paquet (D, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL): 9gp, 0g, 5a, 5p, 14 PIMs, +8
Luca Caputi (LW, Niagra Ice Dogs, OHL): 7gp, 6g, 9a, 15 points. +8
Alex Grant (D, St. John Sea Dogs, QMJHL): 8gp, 2g, 2a, 4p, 15PIMs, +7

Johannes Salmonsson (LW, Brynas IF Gavle, SEL): 7gp, 0g, 1a, 1p, 2 PIM, -3

Some of the Penguins prospects (like Michal Gergen, Carl Sneep, Brian Strait and Nick Johnson) play collegiately and haven't started, but most of the high profile choices are obviously already in the NHL. Nice problem to have, not tracking but one #1 pick through juniors/minors.

The standouts, so far, are a pair of 2007 late round picks (Caputi and Jeffrey) that are tearing up the OHL is scoring. Caputi is tied for second (along with some dude named John Tavares), and Jeffrey signed a pro contract today. Jeffrey stuck a little longer in camp, so the coaches must have seen something in him. Because of an extended stay in Pittsburgh, Jeffrey's only got 5 games but is tied for 5th in the league is scoring.

Mr. Shero's very obvious philosphy of drafting for size (no prospect drafted by the Pens in 07 is listed under Esposito's 6'1") might have founded some gems in the rough...Time will tell.