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Penguins Recall Derek Grant; So Who is Out?

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Derek Grant: Photo courtesy of NHL / Getty Images

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins day of intrigue continued into the night, Wednesday. After the team announced they signed GM Jim Rutherford to a three-year extension after Rutherford announced he shipped top-six winger Carl Hagelin to Los Angeles for Tanner Pearson, after Mike Sullivan announced Sidney Crosby was being evaluated for an upper-body injury, the Penguins announced they have recalled forward Derek Grant from the WBS Penguins.

The big question is…why?

Will Grant be needed to fill a lineup void created because Sidney Crosby will be absent? Was Grant recalled because it may take Pearson a day or two to report? Is someone else on their way down, perhaps Daniel Sprong? Are there more moves on the way?

Grant has played in six games for the Penguins this season without a point. In five games in the AHL, Grant has three goals, one assist and is a +5 in five games.

The Penguins signed Grant, 28, in July as an unrestricted free agent. Grant scored 12 goals and 12 assists last season with Anaheim.

The Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning, tomorrow at 7 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. However, we could find out more tomorrow morning at the Penguins morning skate. Crosby finished the game and spoke to the media following the Penguins 4-2 loss in New Jersey, Tuesday. But he did not practice, Wednesday.

The Penguins intrigue will continue until wins outpace losses. Tuesday, Rutherford also said his patience had “run out.” Rutherford seemed to indicate there were no more moves in waiting but there could be more coming if his club does not improve.