Penguins Put ZAR on IR; Wilson Recalled

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Zach Aston-Reese has been placed on injured reserve, and the team has recalled forward Garrett Wilson.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Aston-Reese will be out long term – he has to sit out at least a week – but coach Mike Sullivan said following Tuesday’s win over Florida that Aston-Reese might be out a while. The fear, of course, is that he broke his right hand in a third-period fight with the Panthers’ Colton Scevior.

Aston-Reese was seen flexing the hand in the penalty box. He served his five-minute major, but he did not finish the game.

Winger Patric Hornqvist also left the game, after taking a puck to the face in the first period.

The Penguins are scheduled to fly to the West Coast on Wednesday to begin a five-game road trip. They are not scheduled to practice until late Thursday afternoon Eastern time in the Los Angeles area. More details about Aston-Reese and Hornqvist might be available then.

Following their road trip, the Penguins have their bye week followed by the All-Star weekend, so that would provide a period of time for injuries to heal for Aston-Reese and Hornqvist without missing further games if they are not able to participate on the road trip.

Aston-Reese has six goals, 11 points in 29 games and has been a valuable player, able to play on any line with a mix of skill and physical play.

Wilson has migrated between the NHL club and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. In 14 games with the Penguins, he has two assists.