Penguins Recall Kasper Bjorkqvist; Prospect’s 1st Call-Up

The Pittsburgh Penguins needed more forward depth and called up prospect Kasper Bjorkqvist on Monday afternoon.

Bjorkqvist, 24, has appeared in four games this season with the WBS Penguins. He has one goal. Bjorkqvist made his professional debut in 2019-20 with the WBS Penguins. He played six games and recorded one goal before a season-ending injury.

He did not make the Pittsburgh Penguins out of training camp, and this is his first time on the NHL roster. Last season, he was on load to KooKoo of the Finnish Liiga. Bjorkqvist scored 11 goals, 15 assists, 26 points with a +14 in 44 games. His 26 points ranked fourth (tied) on the team and the most among all Liiga rookies. He earned Rookie of the Year honors.

The forward played three seasons of collegiate hockey at Providence College between 2016-19. In 112 career games at Providence, Bjorkqvist recorded 36 goals, 26 assists, and 62 points. The Penguins drafted him in the second round (61st overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.

The Penguins did not announce a re-assignment.

During practice, the Penguins had 13 forwards, with Sidney Crosby taking part in some line drills. Crosby is not ready to return, though he did take line rushes and participate in face-off drills on Monday.