Pittsburgh Penguins Sign Two Players To Professional Tryout Contracts

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Brian Boyle and Matt Bartkowski to professional tryout contracts.

Boyle did not play in the NHL last season, but was the captain for Team USA during the World Championships. In 10 games with them, the 36-year-old center scored two goals and recorded three points. He last played in the NHL with the Florida Panthers during the 2019-20 season. In 39 games, he scored six goals and recorded 15 points. Thus, he can provide decent depth while playing bottom-six minutes. Also, he plays very physically, so that may help his chances.

Bartkowski has spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Wild organization. He primarily played in the AHL with the Iowa Wild. In total, he played three games with Minnesota, including one this season where he was held off the scoresheet. In 23 games with Iowa, he scored a goal and recorded eight points. It is unlikely he would play with Pittsburgh much at all if he lands himself a contract, but he could be decent depth in the system.

Out of the two, it seems more likely that Boyle has a shot at playing with the NHL club. We will have to wait and see if either of these two earn themselves a contract for this upcoming season.