Endicott has been medically cleared to resume skating. He had a high ankle sprain and, by his own admission, is still not 100%. The Pens will have to make a personnel move to bring him back onto the active list. He can be sent to Wilkes-Barre on a conditioning assignment, but players on such an assignment count against the 23 man roster, so they'd have to clear a space for him. He can be outrighted to Wilkes-Barre, but he would have to clear waivers.
We've heard good things about Endicott, and he would be a good checking-line player. Who would you send to Wilkes-Barre to make space for him? Presumably, it would be a forward, but Rob Scuderi has been scratched six straight games now. Who else is there to demote or cut? Murley? Talbot? Pirjeta? Surely you don't send Christensen back down - I think he's proved he belongs. Who else?
If the Pens send Christensen down they would be making a big mistake. He's been a catalyst for them ever since he came up. He's got a heavy shot and has been playing with a lot of energy. If I had to pick someone it would be Scuderi. I think Murley, Talbot, Pirjeta have been playing ok. Talbot is another energy guy who has been creating some scoring chances. Pirjeta makes some good offensive plays but can inconsistent sometimes. I hate to mention his name but Fata might be someone they move down. I really like him from before the lockout because he came to play every night when the Pens were horrible. But he has no, ZERO, points so far this year. He's a minus 5 but he still brings a lot of energy every shift. So Scuderi would be my pick.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure Fata would have to clear waivers to be sent down, and some team would surely claim him. He's an ideal trade candidate, but I wouldn't want to risk losing him for no return.
ReplyDeleteScuderi's as good as gone.