Penguins Ink Blue Line Prospects

The Penguins have signed a pair of defensemen, both former draft picks, during the past couple of days.Yesterday they signed 23-year-old Daniel Laatsch, a 6’5” 190-pound, left-shot defenseman taken in the seventh round (215th overall) under Ron Hextall in 2021, to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Judging by his stats, the rangy blueliner and assistant captain with Wisconsin employs a stay-at-home style. With only 18 penalty minutes spread over four seasons, physical play—like offense—would not appear to be his forte.

That stands in stark contrast to 21-year-old Chase Pietila, signed to a three-year, entry-level deal on Sunday. Drafted in the fourth round last summer (111th overall), the…