Warsofsky carving out niche on the power play

game.”

Warsofsky said his comfort with the system was a big reason he chose to resign with the Penguins this summer. He played 12 games for them last year before being picked up on waivers by New Jersey in January. When going through his options over the summer, the idea of returning to a team that valued skilled, puckmoving defensemen seemed like an easy call

“I think here they really emphasize [moving the puck],” he said. “With the group of forwards that they have here, it’s kind of almost common sense that you want to get it into their hands, they’re so skilled. When they have the puck, good things happen.”

The coaching staff also has been auditioning Warsofsky on the power play in training camp, a role he played with the Penguins last season. Sullivan said Warsofsky’s “offensive instincts” make him effective on the power play.

Wednesday night against the Blackhawks, Warsofsky played 4:53 with a man-advantage, second-most on the Penguins. He also picked up a power-play assist on Chris Kunitz’s opening goal.

“I think the staff here does a good job of putting you in positions that you’re comfortable with, that you can succeed in,” Warsofsky said. “Obviously, if you are playing power play, like I am, I think I want to play well in those positions and showcase that.”

It’s not exactly foreign to him. Warsofsky averaged 2:09 of power-play time per game in his brief stint with the Penguins last season. Sullivan said that role as the point man on the Penguins power play isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all proposition. Warsofsky’s skill set is different than, say, Kris Letang’s, so he’ll play the position a bit differently.

“We’re looking for certain aspects, strategies and concepts up top on the power play that we’re asking our players to play within,” Sullivan said. “But, having said that, I think every player is a little bit different, and they’re going to apply their own personality and their own instinct to that position.”

Warsofsky is realistic when looking at the roster. He knows there are not exactly a ton of NHL rosters spots open for a Penguins team that returns virtually every player from the Stanley Cup run.

“I just think you want to kind of showcase yourself and show that you can play at this level,” Warsofsky said. “There’s obviously a lot of positions that are filled.”