Penguins Roster Changes, Lafferty Demoted to Taxi Squad

The Pittsburgh Penguins made several roster changes on Monday evening, and one will have a direct impact on the game day lineups.

The Penguins demoted forward Sam Lafferty to the practice squad, recalled defenseman Kevin Czuczman from the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to the taxi squad. The Penguins sent taxi squad players Frederick Gaudreau and Anthony Angello down to the WBS Penguins.

The moves come as Kasperi Kapanen made his first appearance on the ice with the Pittsburgh Penguins at practice on Monday morning. Sunday evening, the Penguins also placed defenseman Mike Matheson on IR.

Lafferty’s demotion means Evan Rodrigues will skate on the fourth line LW Tuesday night when the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Washington Capitals. Rodrigues and Lafferty shared the space in practice on Monday morning.

Czuczman, 30, has played in 13 NHL games, all with the New York Islanders in 2013-14, recording two assists.

Last season with WBS as an alternate captain, the 6-foot-2, 206-pound Czuczman tallied two goals, eight assists, and 10 points in 38 games.

Lafferty dressed for the first three games this season but played just three minutes against Washington on Sunday. Last season, Lafferty played in 50 games and scored 13 points (6g, 7a).