Aston-Reese Injured; Blandisi Emergency Recall

In a move which signals injured winger Zach Aston-Reese will not be available Tuesday night for the Penguins divisional game against the Washington Capitals Tuesday night, forward Joseph Blandisi has been recalled on an emergency basis from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The emergency recall may also indicate Aston-Reese’s injury is not a longer-term issue and he is expected back within the next week, otherwise, the Penguins could have placed him on Injured Reserve.

Teams get only four recalls after the trade deadline but emergency recalls do not count against that limit.

Blandisi, 24, was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Derek Grant on Jan. 17. The Penguins demoted Blandisi to the WBS Penguins after just one game. He is waiver exempt.

In 17 games for the WBS Penguins, Blandisi had 15 points (7g, 8a) and 37 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound winger has played in 75 career NHL games between Anaheim, New Jersey, and Pittsburgh. He has nine points (3g, 6a), all with New Jersey.

Sunday night, Teddy Blueger filled in for Aston-Reese on the Penguins second line with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. Blandisi will presumably be the Penguins 12th forward and they have not carried extra forwards in the absence of Kris Letang who has not been placed on IR.