Faceoff Factor

Penguins News and Notes

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Aug 10, 09:32 AM | Hype this story!

- The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Wednesday that defenseman Mike Weaver has signed with the team, as indicated in our Free Agency Tracker. The 29-year-old played 39 games with the Los Angeles Kings last season, tallying three goals and six assists.

Considered to be a well-rounded hockey player, Weaver likely will be used as depth, either as an eighth defenseman in the NHL or as an AHL veteran available for recall.

- After selling 13,500 season ticket plans earlier this summer, the Penguins were forced to put fans on a waiting list, which has grown to roughly 700 people. Not surprisingly, the 12- and six-game plans, which went on sale Tuesday morning, have been a huge success as well.

According to Tom McMillan, the team’s communications vice president, the team has sold 25,000 tickets in the three days leading up to yesterday. Individual game tickets will go on sale September 15, and at least 200 tickets will remain for each home game to be used through the student rush program.

- Many rumors have linked the Penguins and superstar forward Peter Forsberg. According to the rumors, Forsberg’s agent has contacted the Penguins, stating that the oft-injured center would like to play for the team.

The reason this rumor cannot be taken seriously at this time is quite simple. Forsberg’s name has been linked to at least five other teams as well. Additionally, Penguins general manager Ray Shero stated earlier this week while at Steelers training camp that, while he may consider such an offer, a deal is unlikely to materialize.

- Lastly, free agent defenseman Bryan Berard and signed forward Patrick Marleau have appeared on the Penguins radar – at least according to internet rumors. These ones can be debunked quite easily.

First, with Berard, he provides absolutely nothing the Penguins need. He is all offense and no defense. Sounds familiar, huh? If Shero is looking for any additional defensemen at this point – which is unlikely – he is looking more for good positional players who play well in their own end. That list definitely does not include Berard.

As for Marleau, he is a center, and the Penguins already have a slew of top-line centers. There really is no need to break this one down. It simply will not happen.