(UPDATE 2) Shea, Joseph Out Weeks; Penguins Make Emergency Recalls

Pittsburgh Penguins game analysis, Noel Acciari, Matt Nieto celebrate
Pittsburgh Penguins' Noel Acciari (55) celebrates with Matt Nieto after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

CRANBERRY — The Pittsburgh Penguins had to make a pair of emergency recalls Tuesday as defenseman Ryan Shea and newly acquired forward Tommy Novak were absent from the morning skate.

Recalled were forward Matt Nieto and defenseman Sebastian Aho.

Update: Coach Mike Sullivan said that Shea, who signed a one-year extension ($900,000) last week, is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Update 2: Novak is out day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Update 3: Defenseman P.O Joseph, who was injured in the game against Boston before the road trip is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Nieto, 32, is completing his two-year deal signed with the Penguins in the summer of 2023. He missed most of last season with knee surgeries and played 31 games for the Penguins this season, primarily as a fourth-line penalty killer. He scored one goal with two assists.

The Penguins waived Nieto on Feb. 26, and he cleared the following day.

Aho, 29, signed a two-year contract with the Penguins last summer but has not yet played an NHL game for the organization. In fact, he has also missed most of the AHL season with an injury.

He’s played just 17 games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, notching seven assists.

Shea, 27, has recently played on the Penguins’ top pairing with Kris Letang.

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VEGETA
VEGETA
5 months ago

Why Nieto, there is more depth in Wilkes Barre

Steve Wortman
Steve Wortman
5 months ago
Reply to  VEGETA

I’m guessing they want to keep their core together in the AHL for a playoff run.

Randy
Randy
5 months ago
Reply to  VEGETA

Nieto and Aho are both on NHL contracts…..make em play so we get our money’s worth.

Harry
Harry
5 months ago
Reply to  VEGETA

The only plausible reason is to intentionally tank the season. Can’t think of 2 worse players to bring up.

Jerry Chieffalo
Jerry Chieffalo
5 months ago
Reply to  VEGETA

There is no reasonable explanation on why you bring that empty sweater up. None!!! This is just sick. Aho?? He can’t even get TOI in WBS!!!! Why him???

Espo33
Espo33
5 months ago

Yes Nieto stinks, and if we as fans want the team to get a better pick then I hope he plays 20 minutes a game

Jerry C
Jerry C
5 months ago
Reply to  Espo33

You’re correct, just hard to see the team pack it in but in the long run, it’s better playing empty sweaters than actual productive ones.

Michael Tompkins
Michael Tompkins
5 months ago

PO will be back in time for playoffs.

Jerry Chieffalo
Jerry Chieffalo
5 months ago

I see no reason to rush his return. Hopefully he’s gone after this season.

Jerry Chieffalo
Jerry Chieffalo
5 months ago

BTW, I did get your joke.

King Penguin
King Penguin
5 months ago

How can this team ever replace a P.O. Joseph? (Hint: It can’t.)

Last edited 5 months ago by King Penguin