Multiple Pittsburgh Penguins recalls could find their way back to the AHL in the very near future.

PITTSBURGH – As the Pittsburgh Penguins enter the back half of their 2023-24 season, there are plenty of players playing at a respectable rate. Guys like Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel are humming right along with their elite talents.

Digging down in the depth of the lineup, however, a number of Penguins could be on the verge of losing their regular spot in the NHL. Injuries have popped up forcing a few recalls from the American Hockey League, but as their stints with the big club have drawn on, things have turned sour.

Radim Zohorna was recently sent through waivers and to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins roster, but he may have just been the first shoe to drop. Who else’s days may be numbered?

Valtteri Puustinen

After recording six points in his first eight games this season, including his first NHL goal, Valtteri Puustinen has seen his production take a deep decline. In the nine games following his goal against the New York Islanders, Puustinen has only notched one assists.

In that run, Puustinen has seen his playing time also take a large dip, as well. Going from an average of 14:23 of ice time in eight games to 8:27 in his last nine contests.

With minutes and production decreasing and possibly better options waiting in the wings, it won’t be long before Puustinen is out of the Penguins’ lineup again.

P.O. Joseph

It’s been a tough season for P.O. Joseph and everyone, including himself, have been aware of that. He’s already been a healthy scratch for a large chunk of the season, and an injury kept him out from another handful of games.

Joseph has only played in 15 games this season and has not progressed the way he was expected to. As the Penguins fly out west for games against the Vegas Golden Knights and Arizona Coyotes, they took Ryan Shea along with them.

While it’s safer to have an extra defenseman laying around rather than a forward, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Shea file into the lineup over Joseph likes he’s already done most of this year.

Jansen Harkins

The Penguins coaching staff have been happy with a recent surge from Jasnen Harkins, but much like Puustinen, there might be superior options just a step away. Still waiting on his first goal of the season, Harkins has become a huge piece of the fourth line’s identity. As a younger options with speed and tenacity, Harkins has finally started setting himself apart.

Despite that boost, head coach Mike Sullivan might find players like Sam Poulin or even a possible new deal for Jesse Puljujarvi as better options.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.

Penguins Forward Named Trade Target

Penguins Address Jake Guentzel Trade Rumors

Penguins Send Forward to AHL

Injured Defenseman Return to Penguins

Former Penguins Goalie on Trade Block

• undefined
• undefined