Penguins Forward Joins New Team After Clearing Waivers

The Penguins have officially opened up another roster spot. Forward Emil Bemstrom, who was placed on waivers Monday, went unclaimed and will now report to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for their playoff push.

Bemstrom was waived because he exceeded the 10-game NHL threshold after a midseason call-up. He previously cleared waivers at the start of the season after failing to make Pittsburgh's roster out of training camp.

Given that the trade deadline has passed, he was ineligible to be picked up by another team for NHL use, making it unsurprising that he went unclaimed.

During his time with the Penguins, Bemstrom played 13 games, recording just one assist in a blowout win over the Devils on March 15.

He averaged 8:20 of ice time and had some power-play opportunities but struggled to make a significant offensive impact.

With his $775,000 deal set to expire this summer, this deal might be the last of his Pittsburgh stay. The 25-year-old was sent from Columbus earlier this season following five and a half years with the Blue Jackets organization.

Now, he is back in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he was a January AHL All-Star. He paced the team with 28 points and shared the goal-scoring lead (12) through 27 games prior to his NHL recall.

As the AHL playoffs will begin following the close of the regular season on April 20, Bemstrom will be ready to support WBS to make a strong run in the Calder Cup.

The baby Pens locked their place in the playoffs last week by beating Hartford in overtime and are now getting a big player back at just the right time.