By Josh Yohe

Published: Saturday, January 12, 2013, 11:50 p.m.
Updated: Thursday, February 14, 2013

Brandon Sutter

Sutter is considered one of the better third-line centers in hockey, but he will have to prove he can handle the job Jordan Staal did for several years. Training camp will mark his first opportunity to play in Dan Bylsma's system. The Penguins loved Staal but also were delighted to get Sutter in the June blockbuster. Goals are a bonus where Sutter is concerned. The Penguins need him to play a shutdown center role while quickly adapting to a new system.

Tomas Vokoun

There is no goaltender controversy as Marc-Andre Fleury is the starter. Vokoun is the most gifted backup to play behind him. If he is sharp in training camp, expect Vokoun to get plenty of starts once the short season begins. Vokoun is known for being one of the NHL's more personable players, and the Penguins believe he will fit in to the locker room nicely.

Robert Bortuzzo

It is becoming clear that Bortuzzo's stock is rising. Although he never figures to make an impact offensively and might not project as a top-four NHL defenseman, the Penguins like his defensive work. Bortuzzo likely will be given an opportunity to play in the NHL this season, but sticking around won't be easy because of the logjam of defensemen in the organization.

Beau Bennett

Without question the most talented forward in the Penguins' system, Bennett probably isn't quite ready for the NHL. But don't count him out. He leads Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in points and impressed Sidney Crosby this summer while the two skated together in Los Angeles. Bennett has NHL tools, and the Penguins could use one more skilled forward to play on the top two lines.

Eric Tangradi

Some things never change. Tangradi long has been a player the fan base has reserved high expectations for, and his hot start to the season in the AHL did nothing to silence that talk. Still, the big winger from Philadelphia has only one goal in 41 NHL games. Lately, he has not produced at Wilkes-Barre. He is expected to make the team. How long he remains in Pittsburgh depends on how much he produces.

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