When the Pittsburgh Penguins opened training camp for the 2023-24 season, they did so with a surprise addition to the first line.
Sidney Crosby and Byran Rust were expected names to play on the Penguins first line, but with Jake Guentzel injured, a new face is needed to fill in.
An early front runner for the spot seems to be newcomer Vinnie Hinostroza, a free agent signing who played in 26 NHL games last season with the Buffalo Sabres.
Hinostroa’s presence on the top line wasn’t expected, but it makes sense for the Penguins on a number of levels.
He may have only potted two goals last season, but Crosby raved about Hinostroza’s shooting ability.
“He’s got a really good shot, he knows his role and finds the soft areas,” Crosby said. “We’re just trying to work together and create chances. When he’s in good scoring areas, have him shoot it.”
It’s only the first two days of camp, and Hinostroza’s spot in the lineup isn’t a lock, but it’s certainly a boost to be put there right away.
Beyond just getting a feel with Crosby, Hinostroza has a familiarity with the man creating the lineup in head coach Mike Sullivan.
New TV play-by-play voice Josh Getzoff told the Tip of the Ice-Burgh Podcast that Hinostroza was coming up through the Chicago Blackhawks system while Sullivan worked with their development team there.
Getzoff says that Sullivan is a big fan of Hinostroza and he could easily find a way into the lineup with a great deal of confidence.
There is one more connection that can be made along this Penguins top line for training camp; Hinostroza also has a history with Rust.
The two played at the University of Notre Dame together and have a familiarity.
“I’ve known him for a long time,” Hinostroza said. “It’s easy to have him to talk to. It’s easier to connect and start building chemistry.”
Rust backed up the statements made by Crosby regarding Hinostroza’s on-ice ability and added his skating skill.
While those two re-kindle an old chemistry, their center had no idea they shared a locker room in college.
“I see they were on the same college team,” Crosby said. “That’s probably why they’re not dishing to me.”
Filling in for Guentzel will only be a part-time job, but if Hinostroza continues to show his abilities and remain competitive, he could easily earn a depth forward role when the team gets to full health.
A two-way contract will make it easy for the Penguins to maneuver Hinostroza between the NHL and AHL, but don’t be surprised to see him earn consistent time with the big club.
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