Pittsburgh Penguins Unexpectedly Suspended Talented Prospect For a Surprising Reason
Photo credit: CHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins have suspended prospect Emil Pieniniemi after he reportedly failed to report to the ECHL affiliate Wheeling Nailers after being cut from the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced the suspension of prospect Emil Pieniniemi for a rather unconventional reason.
Per team analyst Taylor Haase, the Penguins suspended him after he failed to report to the ECHL affiliate Wheeling Nailers after being cut from the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The Penguins suspended Pieniniemi for failing to report to Wheeling, multiple team sources confirmed to me on Sunday. Pieniniemi made it known to the team shortly after he was cut from Wilkes-Barre's camp that he would not be going to Wheeling.
Pienineimi's last official transaction was that Oct. 5 re-assignment to the Nailers, and he was then left off the Nailers' season-opening roster despite never being recalled to the AHL.
Pienineimi's last official transaction was that Oct. 5 re-assignment to the Nailers, and he was then left off the Nailers' season-opening roster despite never being recalled to the AHL.
Last year with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL, Pienineim had 60 points (10G, 50A) in 60 games.
The Penguins took Emil Pieniniemi in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft
Emil Pieniniemi was taken by the Penguins with the 91st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft after playing for several years in his native Finland.
Per his scouting report from Elite Prospects, his best asset is the ability to play big minutes.
Emil Pieniniemi is a 6-foot-2 blueliner who can log big minutes and contributing on both special teams. He's a safeguard in the neutral zone, where he pinches aggressively and gaps up early, guiding opponents towards the boards before engaging physically. In the defensive end, he pins up opponents along the boards and has a solid box-out game.
If Pieniniemi wants to eventually have a future in the NHL with the Penguins, he'll need to follow instructions and report where he's assigned.
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