Penguins Recall Zohorna From WBS; Is It Just Insurance?

In a move that could spark some questions, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced Thursday that they have recalled forward Radim Zohorna from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.

The first question, of course, is whether the addition is related to the status of captain Sidney Crosby, who according to coach Mike Sullivan was due to be medically evaluated Thursday when the team returned from New York. Crosby left Game 5 of their playoff series against the Rangers in the second period Wednesday night after taking a high hit by Jacob Trouba.

The Penguins did not announce anything further about Crosby, so it is not known whether Zohorna’s recall is related.

There is no salary cap to worry about in the playoffs, so the team could simply be looking at all options or making a move as insurance. As it is, forward Drew O’Connor is already on the roster has been been a healthy scratch, so unless another forward besides Crosby is having an issue that could keep him out of Game 6 Friday at PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins would have a full 12 forwards even without Crosby and Zohorna. In addition, injured winger Rickard Rakell seems close to being ready to return.

Unless something further is announced beforehand, there could be some light shed during Friday’s morning skate. Be sure to check PHN for that.

Here is the Zohorna news release from the Penguins:

The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Radim Zohorna from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, it was announced today by general manager Ron Hextall.

Zohorna, 26, played in 17 games with Pittsburgh this year, recording two goals, four assists, six points and a plus-12. The forward also skated in 39 games for WBS this season, recording 12 goals, nine assists and 21 points.

Zohorna has recorded two goals, three assists and five points in four playoff games with WBS, who is currently in their Second Round series against Springfield.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward played his first season in North America in 2020-21 with the Penguins organization, splitting time between Pittsburgh, the WBS Penguins, and Pittsburgh’s taxi squad. In 25 career NHL games, Zohorna has tallied four goals, six assists, 10 points and a plus-16.

The Penguins return to Pittsburgh for Game 6 of their First Round series against the New York Rangers tomorrow at 7:00 PM.