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Pittsburgh Penguins make a surprise recall move that changes the development plan fast
Photo credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Melvin Fernstrom is back in the Pittsburgh Penguins pipeline, and this loan recall to the AHL feels like a needed reset.
The report making the rounds says Pittsburgh recalled Fernstrom from his European loan and immediately assigned him to the AHL.
That is not a glam move, but it is a loud one.
Fernstrom is 19, a 2024 third-round pick, and the Vancouver Canucks drafted him 93rd overall before his rights ended up in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins signed him to a three-year entry-level deal last summer, then left him on loan in Sweden.
This season, the production dried up, just 3-1-4 in 36 SHL games, and he was even sent down on loan to AIK earlier this month.
So yes, this is "assigned to the AHL," but really it is "come learn our pace."
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is where you fix details fast, especially for a winger who wins with touch and a quick release.
Smaller ice forces earlier decisions, tighter routes, and more battles along the wall.
If Fernstrom earns top-six minutes and some man advantage time, that is the real win.
Melvin Fernstrom gives the Pittsburgh Penguins a reset
Penguins fans have been anxious about his curve, and Monday's move reads like the organization grabbing the steering wheel.
It also lines up with what his Swedish club has basically admitted, the ice time was not there to grow his confidence.
Now he gets Penguins development staff every day, not just video calls and summer camps.
Cap-wise, it is clean, he is on an entry-level contract and an AHL assignment does not create any waiver drama.
The bigger question is usage, not paperwork.
If Fernstrom starts attacking off the rush again, the points will follow.
This is one of those quiet transactions that can matter more by March than it does right now.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 26|164 ANSWERS Pittsburgh Penguins make a surprise recall move that changes the development plan fast Should Melvin Fernstrom stay in the AHL the rest of the season? | ||
| Yes | 119 | 72.6 % |
| No | 45 | 27.4 % |
| List of polls | ||