Penguins Activate Pettersson from IR

In a nearly official sign that Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Petterson will play against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, the Penguins activated Pettersson from the IR on Tuesday afternoon, according to GM Ron Hextall

Pettersson was injured in the fourth game of the season when he was blindsided by Washington forward T.J. Oshie. Pettersson has been out for nine games with an upper-body injury.

The 24-year-old defenseman is in his third season with the Penguins. He was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks for Daniel Sprong in November 2018.

In 179 career NHL games, Pettersson has 52 points (6G-46A) and is plus-29.

Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith also skated in the optional morning skate. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said he expects DeSmith to backup goalie Tristan Jarry. To activate Pettersson, the Penguins demoted goalie Maxime Legace to the taxi squad.

Legace was activated before the game on Sunday because DeSmith was had a non-COVID-related illness. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena.