Penguins' Gonchar to serve as defensemen development coach
After failing to make the team as a player earlier this season, veteran Sergei Gonchar agreed to serve as a defensemen development coach on Tuesday.
In addition to scouting European clubs on the team's behalf, Gonchar's responsibilities also include working with the Penguins' young blue-liners - notably Olli Maatta, Brian Dumoulin and Adam Clendening as well as prospect Derrick Pouliot.
Gonchar attempted to give his playing career one last jolt by signing a professional tryout with the club in the summer. The 41-year-old Russian played with the Penguins from 2005-10, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup final in 2008 before winning the trophy the following season.
#Pens make a progressive move in hiring a defensive development coach 4 their organization. Not many other teams have gone there
— PensInsider (@ThePensInsider) October 27, 2015
Gonchar scored 54 goals and set up 205 others in 322 games with the Penguins. He also played in three contests with the Dallas Stars last season before recording one tally and 12 assists in 45 games with the Montreal Canadiens.
The 14th overall pick of the 1992 draft, Gonchar has collected 220 goals and 591 assists in 1,301 career contests with the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Stars, Canadiens and Penguins.
(h/t Pittsburgh Penguins)
