It's Time For Another Spark From The Farm
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Dec 14, 10:37 AM | Hype this story!
Earlier this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins got a spark from forward Tyler Kennedy making his NHL debut. Then, a few weeks later, the same thing happened when Kristopher Letang was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL.
The young blood infused in the lineup provided a spark that helped the Penguins collect 15 points in a span of 10 games earlier this month.
But, with forward Maxime Talbot and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury hurt, the Penguins could use another spark — and another roster player, for that matter.
Enter Jonathan Filewich.
In 21 games this season with the “Baby” Penguins, Filewich has tallied just two goals and five assists for seven points and has a minus-4 rating.
He may not be the most logical choice based on statistics to get a call from Penguins general manager Ray Shero, but he may be the best choice.
Being a 24-year old AHL’er, Filewich is in the last year of minor league eligibility, meaning that, beginning next season, he will have to clear waivers to go to the AHL and re-entry waivers to go from the AHL to the NHL.
So why call him up now?
Well, this is a good time to see what he has, to see if he is worth keeping around or if he is best suited as trade bait.
If he does well, there’s a roster spot for him. If he does poorly, he can be returned to the AHL without issue.
Stats don’t tell the whole story. And, though it has been widely reported, including by our very own Kyle Dreibelbies, that Filewich looks far from the player he was last year, he isn’t far removed from a training camp that nearly ended with him earning an NHL roster spot.
Letang wasn’t exactly lighting up the AHL prior to being recalled. Heck, he was a healthy scratch on several occasions. Now, just a few games into his second NHL stint, he has two shootout winning goals and two third period goals that pushed his team over the top.
Maybe Filewich can do the same.
Maybe Filewich can do what Erik Christensen has not done.
Maybe Filewich can be the forward that allows coach Michel Therrien to dress 12 forwards instead of 11 and six defensemen instead of seven.
If not, at least we’ll know what he is and isn’t capble of doing at the NHL level prior to the beginning of his waiver period.
Comments
Mike Adams
Dec 14, 12:40 PM
No, no, no, and no. Where I come from, promotions have to be EARNED. He has done nothing to earn one. I agree that a callup is warranted, but I would make it James or Taffe, both of whom have far outperformed Filewich this year. If Filewich gets his act together, I would like to see him up, what with it being his walk year. But he does have to earn it. What kind of message does it send to the rest of the guys who are outperforming him to pass them over for a guy who has done squat this year?
Andrew R
Dec 14, 12:57 PM
I have to agree with Mike on this one and I’d support Connor James for call up. Matt, you bring up Letang as an example of a player who was not blowing away the AHL but has been a spark in the NHL, the implication being, of course, that Filewich could do the same. The Letang example is very much the exception rather than the rule, struggling in the AHL generally is not a precursor for success as a callup. While Filewich may be doing the little things that dont show up on a score sheet, the Penguins quite frankly need more.
DaBich
Dec 14, 02:22 PM
Matt, I’m not sticking up for you, but didn’t you say FIlewich looked rather good in camp? How old are these other guys? Wouldn’t this be Filewich’s last chance so to speak?
Dave W
Dec 14, 03:29 PM
right now, the pens need to do more than just call up Filewich….goaltending is a SERIOUS issue right now…how many shots got by Sabourin last night only to hit the post behind him? Is it me or is he REALLY slow in getting from post to post? I know that Heatley is a great goal scorer, but can you tell me how that first goal got behind Sabourin when he only had to move a little to his left? IF we are going to stick with him in nets, then we need to increase our defense and scoring. I’m not sure adding Filewich, Taffe or James to the roster will help in either of those two categories.
Matt Bodenschatz
Dec 15, 09:59 PM
Well, it looks like I was right — but also wrong. The Penguins did choose to recall a player from the Baby Penguins to spark the team, but the player was Conner James, who Mike Adams mentioned would be the best choice.
DaBich
Dec 16, 06:48 PM
James didn’t show me much of anything…
Matt Bodenschatz
Dec 17, 09:32 AM
James was brought in to fill a limited role on the fourth line and got just 7:15 in icetime — nearly two minutes fewer than any other Penguin player. You’ll recall that Tyler Kennedy didn’t make much noise for a few games when recalled, and look where he is now.
I think, though, with James, his ceiling is more of a 3rd/4th liner, whereas Kennedy has the natural skill and talent to be a top-liner. James’ biggest assett is his speed, which could make him a dangerous penalty killer and defensive forward.
I don’t think James will stay up for long, but get used to seeing him. This could be someone occupying the fourth line on a regular basis next season, if not sooner.
DaBich
Dec 17, 12:48 PM
I’d LIKE to see him LOL!
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