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Penguins recall forward from AHL after injury to top player, illness to another
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Avery Hayes is back with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with Rickard Rakell injured and Noel Acciari battling an illness, and the roster squeeze feels real.
The X post says Hayes has been recalled from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
This is the kind of move that looks small on paper but changes your night fast when your bottom six is already doing heavy lifting.
Rakell’s absence has mattered all season, especially when the top six starts chasing matchups instead of dictating them.
Acciari missing morning skate with an illness adds another wrinkle, because that line’s value is usually in the hard minutes and the penalty kill.
Hayes is 23 and undrafted, which means every recall is still a tryout, even if it comes with real opportunity.
He’s earned the call with production in the AHL, sitting at 13-10-23 in 31 games this season.
That stat line pops because it’s not empty offense, it’s been steady all year.
Avery Hayes gives Pittsburgh Penguins quick lineup options
Honestly, Penguins fans have been begging for a fresh look when injuries hit, and this one at least feels like a merit call-up, not a panic button.
If Dan Muse keeps roles simple, Hayes can slide in as a straight-line winger who gets pucks deep and stays connected defensively.
If Rakell’s injury keeps lingering, the trickle-down gets messy, and any speed you can add to the third or fourth unit matters.
If Acciari can’t go, Hayes also gives you a body who can take shifts without your bench shortening by the second period.
The immediate test is whether he can win two or three board battles a game and not bleed chances against.
One solid, quiet night before the Olympic break would already be a win.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Penguins lose a top forward in morning skate to injury, another player questionable with illness
Penguins lose a top forward in morning skate to injury, another player questionable with illness
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 5|91 ANSWERS Penguins recall forward from AHL after injury to top player, illness to another Should Avery Hayes stay with the Pittsburgh Penguins after this recall? | ||
| Yes | 79 | 86.8 % |
| No | 12 | 13.2 % |
| List of polls | ||