It certainly doesn’t count as a “big” move, but the Pens shored up their defensive depth by re-signing Deryk Engelland. He’s big (6’2”, 200), physical and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves. A career minor-leaguer, Engelland fared well enough in 9 games with the Pens this season to get another look. He had 11 points and 121 penalty minutes in 71 games with Wilkes-Barre this season.
Depending on whom the Pens decide to re-sign/sign this off-season, I wouldn’t be too surprised to see Engelland on the opening-day roster next year as a sixth or seventh d-man. He’s no Brooks Orpik, but he still adds an element that the Pens are lacking, plus he can kill penalties. Note that Ottawa’s Matt Carkner was also a career minor-leaguer until he cracked their lineup this season, and he had a pretty good campaign. Carkner and Engelland are the same type of player.
Original Story:
http://penslabyrinth.com/2010/05/19/p...
