Penguins Re-Assign Dea; Hornqvist Ready?

The Pittsburgh Penguins re-assigned forward J.S. Dea to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, according to Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford.

Dea, 24, played three games for the Penguins and scored a goal against Ottawa, Dec. 8. Dea was re-claimed off waivers from the New Jersey Devils on Nov. 29, after New Jersey claimed him from the Penguins before the season. Because the Penguins were the original team to waive Dea, he did not have to clear waivers to be assigned to WBS.

The Laval, QC native has two goals in nine career games with the Penguins. He scored three goals and two assists in his 20-game stint with New Jersey, this season. Last season, Dea had a career year with the WBS Penguins. He scored 50 points (18g, 32a) in 70 games and was the team MVP.

The move opens up a roster spot for the Penguins. Patric Hornqvist and Dominik Simon each skated during the Penguins morning skate, Monday. The Penguins have not yet announced that it is Patric Hornqvist who will return, Wednesday when the Penguins play their division rival Washington Capitals, in Washington.

Hornqvist has been sidelined suffering an upper-body injury on Dec. 6. He has gone through a couple of false starts, including taking part in the full morning skate in Ottawa on Dec. 8, but has not yet been healthy enough for game action.

Hornqvist, 31, has 19 points (12g, 7a) in 24 games this season and has been an emotional leader on and off the ice.