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Tangradi spent the entirety of last season in the NHL, but didn’t come away with much to show for it in terms of offensive production. He only managed to post three goals and three assists in 55 games, which will likely keep him relegated to the fourth line in 2014-15. Younger, more productive players from AHL St. John’s like Eric O’Dell will likely get a chance to prove their worth on the third line over Tangradi. He already had his chance.
The Jets thought enough of Tangradi to re-sign him to a two-year extension this summer (avoiding arbitration), but he remains merely a depth player desperately in need of playing time. Still only 24, but with his third organization in four years’ time, Tangradi is running out of time to impress. Monitor closely during training camp. If playing time is there, Tangradi might surprise early in the season and be worth a late round flyer.
Tangradi scored one of the first Penguins goals in Consol Energy Center on Oct. 15, 2010, and hasn't potted an NHL goal since. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, the 2007 first-round pick's game focuses on close-quarter play around the net. His general lack of quickness is not an ideal fit for the Pittsburgh speed and transition game, but he could fit in on the power play. His best moments, rare as they may be, are when he works the puck down low and controls the puck for what seems like minutes on end. Considering that he has one goal and five points in 40 NHL contests with Pittsburgh, a trade might jumpstart his career. Unless the Pens switch systems, it doesn't appear Tangradi will produce much in Pittsburgh.
Tangradi is a big power forward that the Penguins need in the lineup, but his inability to put things together has frustrated the organization and fantasy owners alike. He's never been given an extended look in the NHL because he's simply never earned such a chance. Last year, Tangradi suffered a concussion on a sucker punch by the Islanders' Trevor Gillies and never found his game. He participated in his fourth prospect camp over the summer and realizes that 2011-12 represents a make-or-break season. Tangradi, who is still only 21, registered 18 goals and 33 points in 42 games for Wilkes-Barre and three points (1 G, 2 A) in 15 contests with Pittsburgh. A season between 25 and 35 points is within reach for the 6-foot-4 winger, provided things break his way.
The Penguins would like nothing better than for Tangradi to step up and grab a top-six forward spot in 2010-11. While their at it, the organization probably wouldn't mind if Tangradi asserted himself as a net-front presence on the team's No. 1 power play unit, either. Whether the 21-year-old pulls off the transition from decent AHLer to an every-game NHL producer remains to be seen, but he'll get his chance. If you're looking for a prospect from Pittsburgh to gamble on, Tangradi's your player.
Acquired along with Chris Kunitz for Ryan Whitney last season, Tangradi potted 38 goals and 88 points in 55 OHL contests. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound winger could become the front-of-the-net force the Penguins have missed since Ryan Malone took the money and ran. Tangradi is a long shot to win a spot right out of camp because of offseason wrist surgery, but he could see his first NHL action at some point in 2009-10. There may not be another Pittsburgh prospect with more buzz about him.
The second round pick of the 2007 draft by the Ducks, will begin the year with his junior team in Belleville. In his first season in juniors he registered 20 points (five goals and 15 assists) in 65 games played. He is still a few years away from playing with the big club.
Tangradi is a prototypical Duck -- big, fast and skilled. He's 6-3 and 205 at 18, and his draft stock rose exponentially with a dominating performance during the OHL playoffs. Ranked 93rd in North American skaters by Central Scouting, Tangradi exploded for eight goals and nine assists in 15 playoff games (he had delivered just five goals and 20 points all season). He has caught the eye of Team USA and has been invited to its summer evaluation camp. Could he be another Ryan Getzlaf? The Ducks seem to see things in the lower rounds that others may not. Watch this guy.
