Chirps from Center Ice

Just a quick blurb to clean up some news that has been out there…

– Penguins signed Shavertown native Patrick McGrath to an AHL deal on Wednesday. McGrath appeared in two games for the Pens last season and spent most of his professional time with Wheeling of the ECHL. He told Tom Venesky in the papers that he is gunning for a spot in Wilkes-Barre in the Fall.

– Will McGrath be on the opening night roster? You only have 100 more days to find out. Coal Street announced that Saturday, October 17 will be the home opener. The AHL opens shop on their 80th season on October 9, so it is a good chance that the Penguins open up their season on the road. The schedule should be announced some time in August.

– Other guaranteed home dates as handed down by Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza are December 12, January 9, January 30, February 13 and March 26. All Saturday dates.

– Brian Dumoulin re-signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins today. He was a qualified restricted free agent. The only other outstanding unsigned qualified restricted free agents are Beau Bennett, Bobby Farnham and Dominik Uher. Dumoulin will make $1.6 million over the life of the two year contract or $800k a year. It’s a one way deal. He’s waiver eligible so I consider him graduated to full time NHL work.

The Offseason Moves List has been updated to reflect the McGrath addition and the Dumoulin re-signing.

Enjoy your summer.