Penguins Re-Assign Puljujarvi, Crosby Related? Best Call-Up Options
The Pittsburgh Penguins have again re-assigned Jesse Puljujarvi to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The team waived Puljujarvi, 26, on Dec. 30 but did not immediately re-assign him; at the time, coach Mike Sullivan indicated waiving the Finnish winger was in fairness to the player to make him available to a team that would play him at the NHL level. However, Puljujarvi was unclaimed.
Since being waived and recalled, Puljujarvi has played in five NHL games, registering one assist and four shots while averaging 11:32 of ice time.
Since Puljujarvi cleared waivers less than 30 days ago, he does not need to clear again and can be immediately sent to WBS.
The Penguins did not announce a corresponding roster move, but Wednesday Penguins coach Mike Sullivan announced that center Sidney Crosby is being evaluated for an upper-body injury after an awkward collision with a pair of New Jersey Devils defenders Tuesday. Evgeni Malkin also remains on injured reserve.
The Penguins currently have 22 of the maximum 23 players on their roster. Should the Penguins need a center for their upcoming back-to-back games with the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers, the team could call up Vasily Ponomarev, Sam Poulin, or Joona Koppanen.
Top WBS center Tristan Broz has not played since Dec. 28 and has been out due to illness (mononucleosis). Ponomarev, who was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Jake Guentzel trade last March, played three NHL games with the Penguins this season without registering a point. He has 27 points (11-16-27) in 30 AHL games.
Poulin was the Penguins first-round pick in 2019. He’s played six NHL games this season with one assist. In 32 AHL games, Poulin has 18 points (9-9-18).
If the Penguins don’t need a center, winger Ville Koivunen was named the AHL rookie of the month Wednesday. Koivunen posted nine goals and five assists for 14 points in 12 games during January, including two hat tricks. The skilled winger has played increasingly well this season and may be in line for a call up as the Penguins search for additional scoring beyond the Crosby line.
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Bring up Pono.
….sure hope Sid is OK!!!! If they are calling someone up, I think Koivunen deserves a chance as I have been saying for weeks now. If not him, bring up Koopanen cause I don’t understand why he is even on the team….NHL contract 2 years running now and never once seen him play. Lets see what he got!!??
I wouldn’t be shocked if Jonna Koppanen is called up to the big club. Sullivan does love his career/ vets 4th line/ AHL players.
I honestly hope it’s not any of the young guys progressing. Love the direction they are going. Would like to see (if it’s a center) Poulin or Gruden. Koppanen, if your really pushing the strategic regression angle. Wings, man – just seems like for whatever reason, Bemstrom doesn’t get the call, or perhaps Puustinen.
Agreed, a nice playoff run and lots of ice time is what the young talent needs . . . at least for now.
Bemstrom deserves another NHL shot but he’s also the straw that stirs the drink at WBS. Could alter what appears to be developing chemistry so that’s a tough call.
Would kind of like to see Koppanen get promoted; adding another 6’ 5” dude might make it the biggest Pens team in a long time. Not the best, just the biggest.
Is there a reason we wouldn’t bring up Bemstrom who is at the very top of the league in scoring (41pts in 37games)? I recognize trying out an actual prospect has more value than bringing up a Quad-A guy who has already had time, particularly when we aren’t necessarily even trying to win any more.
However, he certainly has done more than earn his shot. Would rather him than Nieto and maybe 1 or 2 others. Wondering if he is hurt and I’m out of the loop on his status.
Thanks,
I’ve wondered same about Bemstrom. However, he’s proven to be an AHL monster and NHL mouse. They may be skeptical.
See Kris Beech for further details…..
Jesse being sent down could be a timing issue with the waiver thing more so. Plus only 2 games before they are off, perhaps just have him play some heavy minutes with the NHL is off.
I am wondering if they send Bloom down also to get some start’s especially with Larson out. Jarry shouldn’t need to be played.
Seems like Bloom should be splitting the net with Murashov at WBS instead of getting only a handful of starts for an NHL team that hasn’t been consistent defensively.
It almost seemed like the goalie move was more about hoping Jarry was claimed than it was to help Bloom develop.
I understand choice of call ups. Story line is or should be, hope Sids ok, & can represent his Birthland in the upcoming 4 Nations. He has made hockey in Pittsburgh entertaining and successful for 20 years. Put it in perspective.
That 1st came with another saddle, you have Hayes, Accari & Heinen for next year too ! Apparently, the complete game from NO ONE in wbs it’s not enough !? At least play Boko more for some tip-ins, Tanger or Vinny also giving P. O. some last chance mojo. GM needs to admit he’s taking a lot of projects blocking the AHL players or they are all inept. Maybe they don’t know how to use the AHL for lack of practicing it ? Please ask the Dumas, Dan
Dubas has promised as soon as the kids are ready, they will play. I don’t think anyone there is quite ready for full-time NHL work but very soon, if not next season you’re going to see Broz, McGroarty, Pickering, Koivunen. Pickering’s slide at the end is the reason you don’t toss kids to the wolves too soon.