Penguins reassign former first-round pick forward to AHL, prepare to reactivate injured goalie
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The Penguins have reassigned forward Sam Poulin to the AHL, as the team needs to make room in preparation to reactivate Tristan Jarry from injured reserve.
The Penguins have reassigned winger Samuel Poulin to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after he suited up for their past two contests.
What Dan Muse said about Tristan Jarry's availability
His roster spot will likely go to Tristan Jarry, who head coach Dan Muse says should be ready to come off injured reserve in time for tomorrow's matchup with the Sabres.
"I think he's progressing very well. And so, I would expect that he is going to be available here for us tomorrow. Like, he's had some really good days. I think he's looked good."
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
Still only 24, Poulin remains a reliable call-up option but hasn't hit the ceiling Pittsburgh hoped for when they drafted him 21st overall in 2019.
His latest two-game stint brings him to 15 career NHL appearances, still without a goal and sitting at two assists. He played heavier minutes this time, 13:49 per game, but recorded just one shot and a minus-2 rating.
Still, the Penguins held a 29-24 edge in shot attempts at 5-on-5 with him on the ice.
But he's excelling in the AHL. He's off to his best start yet, with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 16 games, leading WBS in scoring and continuing the good production he showed beginning last season.
Where there is some good news despite Sam Poulin's demotion to the minors
His return to the minors comes with good news: Bryan Rust isn't expected to miss time after an illness, a boost for a lineup already missing five forwards, including Justin Brazeau and Rickard Rakell.
The bigger roster question becomes what happens in goal. If Jarry returns, Pittsburgh will briefly carry three netminders. Prospect Sergey Murashov has impressed in four NHL appearances but is still the clear No. 3 and would benefit more from playing in the AHL.
The Penguins are waiting for certainty on Jarry. If he and Ville Koivunen are both cleared, Murashov should be reassigned in order to keep the roster at 23.
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