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WILKES-BARRE — Oskar Sundqvist wants to show the Penguins a different side.
The second-year pro quickly established himself as an effective defensive forward, a role that Pittsburgh deemed valuable enough to call him up in March and bring him along on the run to the Stanley Cup.
But an injury forced Sundqvist to miss most of Pittsburgh’s training camp, and he was one of 17 players sent down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Monday.
The 22-year-old intends to use his time in the AHL to show that his game isn’t just limited to strong defense.
“It’s about my offense right now and playing as much as possible,” he said after Tuesday’s practice. “Hopefully get some power play time and produce a little more than last year.”
In 45 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season, Sundqvist posted five goals and 17 points. He had a goal and three assists in 18 games with Pittsburgh.
By showing he has the ability to make and finish plays, Sundqvist believes he will become a more complete player.
“Me and the coaching staff in Pittsburgh know what I can do in the defensive zone,” Sundqvist said. “I want to develop my offensive side and contribute a little bit more.”
Sundqvist will get that chance. Head coach Clark Donatelli said he will put Sundqvist on the power play and put him in situations to contribute offensively.
It’s a side that Donatelli knows exists in Sundqvist.
“He usually plays the defensive side up top, but he’s got some creative offensive abilities and it’s starting to come out,” Donatelli said. “He can put the puck in the net and I think we’re going to see some of that.”
In addition to showing the offensive side of his game, Sundqvist is eager to play regularly again. He was scratched in all but two games during Pittsburgh’s postseason, and missed the rookie tournament and preseason games this year due to the injury.
It’s all resulted in Sundqvist having to wait to show the results of the hard work he put in over the summer.
“I’m disappointed with the timing of the injury,” he said. “Now I’ll be able to show them what I’ve been doing during the summer. I know they’re watching so I have to show it down here.”