Penguins Waive 7, Including Former First-Round Pick, Defenseman

The Pittsburgh Penguins housecleaning continued Friday afternoon when the team placed 2019 first-round pick Sam Poulin on waivers.

Poulin, 23, has struggled to find his footing with the Penguins organization, but this is the first year in which he must pass through waivers to be assigned to the WBS Penguins. Drafted 21st overall, he has played only six NHL games, registering one assist. He made his NHL debut with the Penguins in 2022-23 against the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome.

Read More: Penguins Demote Pickering, 3 More to WBS Penguins

Injuries and personal issues that led him to the NHL Player’s Assistance Program in 2023 derailed his development over the last two years. He was not able to establish a clear position with the team’s NHL roster through training camp or separate from the multiple players competing for the open roster spots.

The Penguins claimed defenseman John Ludvig, 24, on waivers from the Florida Panthers before the start of last season. The physical defenseman made his NHL debut shortly afterward but was injured when he initiated an open ice hit against Dallas Stars’ forward Radek Faksa. Ludvig played 33 NHL games last season, scoring three goals and registering two assists.

The Penguins will learn at 2 p.m. Saturday if another team submitted a claim for either player.

In addition to Ludvig and Poulin, the Penguins waived five more players. If they clear, they will be assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins:

• Defenseman Filip Kral
• Forward Jonathan Gruden
• Forward Emil Bemstrom
• Forward Joona Koppanen
• Defenseman Nate Clurman

Notably, Jesse Puljujarvi and Valtteri Puustinen, who are not waivers exempt, remain on the NHL roster. Rutger McGroarty is also on the NHL roster, but he would not need to pass through waivers to be assigned to the WBS Penguins.