Penguins News Briefs: Joseph on IR, Team Signs Prospect Defenseman

The Pittsburgh Penguins paper pushers had a busy day Monday. Not only did the team swap goalies, recalling Tristan Jarry from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and re-assign Joel Blomqvist, but they inked a prospect defenseman and updated P.O Joseph’s status.

Joseph, 26, was a target Saturday after he tangled awkwardly with Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand. Boston felt Joseph boarded Marchand, who left the game in a daze and did not return. Multiple Bruins took runs at Joseph until forward Mark Kastelic finally connected with a hard hit on the end wall. Joseph also left the game.

Read More: Penguins Recall Jarry From Wilkes-Barre, Send Blomqvist Down

Monday, the team placed Joseph on injured reserve. No immediate recall was made. Vladislav Kolyachonok was acquired via waivers from the Utah HC on Feb. 9, but has not played. Even without Joseph on the active roster, the Penguins will have an extra left defenseman.

Joseph has three assists this season, one in 24 games with the Penguins.

Finn Harding

The Penguins signed Harding, their 2024 seventh-round pick, to a three-year entry-level contract Monday. Harding, 20, has put up good numbers this season with the Brampton Steelheads. Through 59 games, the 6-foot-2, 192-pound defenseman has seven goals, 48 assists, and a career-high 55 points. Harding’s 48 assists are a single-season franchise record for a defenseman. He ranks fifth among OHL defensemen.

Brampton is mid-pack in the OHL and has not qualified for the playoffs, so Harding could make his pro debut this spring.