Today, Pittsburgh resigned forward Joseph Blandisi to a one-year, two-way contract worth $700,000 at the NHL level. He was acquired by the Penguins on January 17, 2019 in exchange for forward Derek Grant. Blandisi, who turned 25 earlier this month, appeared in six games with the Penguins last season and three games with the Anaheim Ducks, posting no points in those nine games. In the AHL, he had 20 points in 27 games with the Pens’ AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and had 23 points in 27 games with the San Diego Gulls (Anaheim’s AHL affiliate). He has 120 points in 158 career AHL games and 26 points in 80 NHL games. As a sixth round draft pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2012, he has a chance to be a full-time bottom-six NHL player but is currently a very solid AHL player who can be called up if necessary. Bill Guerin said this about Blandisi, “Joe has NHL talent. He’s a guy that has often been used in a depth role, but those players are extremely important to have. He has a high skill level and is a very competitive guy. There’s no reason why Joe can’t push to play in the NHL full-time.” I agree and hopefully, he gets his chance this season.
Hockey Addict 