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NEW YORK — Evgeni Malkin may have a new left winger this weekend.
Zach Boychuk, the 14th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, was claimed off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said Thursday.
Boychuk likely would be available to play against New Jersey at Consol Energy Center on Saturday, general manager Ray Shero said.
“It's an opportunity for him and we'll take the chance, see how it goes for us,” Shero said of Boychuk, who has scored seven NHL goals.
Bylsma described Boychuk as a “guy who has speed to his game.”
“He's going to add some competition to our lineup,” Bylsma said. “He could see time on Malkin's wing.”
The Penguins play at the New York Rangers on Thursday night.
Finding a fit for Malkin and right winger James Neal has proven troublesome for the Penguins.
Left winger Chris Kunitz filled that role most of last season, when Malkin and Neal combined for 90 goals and finished, respectively, first and seventh in points.
Kunitz has returned to the top line with center Sidney Crosby and right winger Pascal Dupuis.
Malkin has scored only one goal after setting a
career best with 50 last season.
Shero did not specify how Boychuk would impact left winger Eric Tangradi, a healthy scratch for a home loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
“We'll see how the game goes,” Shero said, noting the Penguins only have 23 players on the roster because defenseman Matt Niskanen (ankle) is on injured-reserve status.
“It's early in the season yet but it's a short season.”
Tangradi practiced on Crosby's line Thursday. Kunitz was out with illness, Bylsma said.
Kunitz could still see the ice tonight and defenseman Robert Bortuzzo and goalie Tomas Vokoun will play against the Rangers, Bylsma said.
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