Reports surfaced out of Germany this week that Freddie Tiffels, the Penguins sixth-round pick in 2015, was in negotiations to return home and sign with the Kölner Haie of the German DEL.
Mark Mahon, Director of Sport for Haie, reportedly visited Tiffels in North America this season, and has now returned to North America to continue negotiating.
Tiffels' older brother, Dominik, plays for Haie. However, Tiffels — who has one year remaining on his entry-level contract — confirmed to DKPittsburghSports.com that he is not thinking about a transfer right now.
"My goal is to play in the NHL," he said. "My focus is on achieving that goal."
Tiffels had a successful — albeit hectic — rookie season in the Penguins organization. He moved between Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Wheeling a total of 11 times, more than anyone else in the organization. Through it all, he recorded two goals and one assist in 12 games with Wilkes-Barre, and 16 goals and 17 assists in 44 games with Wheeling.
“Mentally, it’s draining,” Tiffels said of the moves earlier this season. “I think you just have to battle through it and see it from a positive side.
