© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b00da1b9-de1e-400c-9602-84b7ef23f522.jpeg] © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images AHL Graduates Making A Difference In The NHL The Pittsburgh Penguins announced they have recalled forwards Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen from their AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Koivunen has 21 goals and 55 points in 62 games this season, leading all AHL rookies. The 21-year-old led Finland's Liiga in rookie scoring and won a silver medal at the World Junior Championship in 2022. A second round selection of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021, Koivunen was acquired last season in a trade for Jake Guentzel. McGroarty has 14 goals and 39 points in 60 AHL games and is pointless in three NHL games in what is his first professional season. The 20-year-old made the Big Ten First All-Star Team and was a Hobey Baker Nominee for the University of Michigan Wolverines and won a gold medal with Team USA at the World Junior Championship last season. The 2022 14th overall selection was acquired in a trade with the Winnipeg Jets in August for 2023 14th overall selection Brayden Yager. With the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins having clinched a playoff spot this will be a good chance for these two players to get NHL experience before returning for the Calder Cup Playoffs. Keep an eye on The Hockey News Pittsburgh for more updates. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl/] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
