A Boost to the AHL Roster
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins announced this week that they have secured the services of three promising talents for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. Defenseman Brent Johnson, forward Lucas Ciona and veteran Mark Senden each signed contracts that will see them don the black and gold at the American Hockey League level.
Johnson, a 23‑year‑old blue‑liner from Frisco, Texas, arrives after a breakout season in the ECHL where he topped all rookie defensemen with 55 points. His collegiate pedigree includes stints at the University of North Dakota and Ohio State, experiences that have honed his two‑way abilities and poise under pressure.
Ciona, a sixth‑round selection by the Calgary Flames in 2021, brings a blend of leadership and offensive flair. The Edmonton native captained the Seattle Thunderbirds to a WHL championship in 2023 and has compiled 37 points in 170 AHL appearances, numbers that speak to his knack for finding the net and setting up teammates.
Veteran forward Mark Senden, at 28, rounds out the trio with a wealth of championship experience. Having tasted success at the high‑school, USHL, collegiate and professional levels, Senden has amassed 37 points in 128 AHL games for Colorado and Charlotte, and his journey through multiple championship‑winning environments adds a steadying presence to the lineup.
The additions signal the Penguins’ intent to deepen their developmental pipeline, offering a mix of youthful dynamism and seasoned reliability. Fans can expect to see new faces integrated into the roster as the club looks to build on its recent successes and push for a deeper playoff run.