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Penguins organization announce call-up of struggling prospect after return to North America
This evening, Penguins prospect Emil Pieniniemi has reportedly earned a promotion to the AHL after recently returning to the Penguins organization after suspension.
Emil Pieniniemi began the season by being placed on suspension by the Pittsburgh Penguins for failing to report to the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.
Pieniniemi would eventually head overseas to play in Finland but struggled to find a role there before agreeing to return to North America and play in the ECHL.
Now, after a short stint in the ECHL Pieniniemi has earned a call-up to the AHL as he looks to get his career back on track.
Penguins prospect Emil Pieniniemi called-up to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
The Penguins AHL affiliate announced this evening that Pieniniemi would be joining the club after playing just ten ECHL games before earning the call-up.
Emil Pieniniemi has been reassigned by Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton from Wheeling.
Additionally, defenseman David Breazeale has been reassigned to the Wheeling Nailers
Additionally, defenseman David Breazeale has been reassigned to the Wheeling Nailers
Pieniniemi comes to the AHL at just 20 years old with still a lot of potential to be an NHL caliber defenseman one day.
Before the chaos that has been the 2025-26 season, Pieniniemi had a fantastic draft plus one season with the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL tallying 60 points in 60 games played.
With the call-up GM Kyle Dubas clearly wants to see what Pieniniemi has and whether he can handle the increased speed and physicality of the AHL level as he looks to push for an eventual NHL opportunity.
Now, it will be up to Pieniniemi to see if he can handle the challenge and continue pushing towards his dream of become an NHLer.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 27|150 ANSWERS Penguins organization announce call-up of struggling prospect after return to North America Do you think Emil Pieniniemi will play an NHL game for the Pittsburgh Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 34 % |
| No | 99 | 66 % |
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