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.
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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.
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No surprises. A bitter pill for Poulin, but I don’t think anyone will pick him up.
No surprises. If they go to WB great, if the waiver guys get claimed OK. None are difference makers and others are just better.
Almost hope Ludwig gets picked up to give more time to others in WB.
I kinda liked Ludvig. I hope they don’t lose him.
Another failed Jim Rutherford draft pick. By my count, GMJR had no fewer than 35 of them and didn’t nail a stinkin’ one. (Maybe Blomqvist will change that?) True, there were only two first-rounders in the bunch, but c’mon, man, even a calendar is right once a month if you don’t flip it. Should it be any wonder how the team got to this point?
And JR assembled 2 cup winning teams, so quit whining…🤦♂️
Not whine, brah. Just facts. This is what happens when you don’t plan for the future. That’s why old men who about to croak should not be general managers of sports franchises.
Im still salty they never gave sam some time with sid. Anthony b has been stapled there for what? Poulin went from scoring winger to number 1 ahl center. Good points and a puck hound, has he earned 1st line min… no. But trybit before throwing him away some players thrive in different situations