The Pittsburgh Penguins will be down a depth defensive option moving forward.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are losing a minor league/depth option on their blue line to Russia’s KHL. After two years in the Penguins organization, Xavier Ouellet has signed a deal with Dinamo Minsk.

Ouellet signed with the Penguins in July of 2022 but never reached the NHL level. Initially picked up as a depth option for the defense, the veteran defender spent both seasons completely with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

When the Penguins got into injury trouble during the 2022-23 season, Ouellet was in line to be recalled for a return to the NHL, but he himself was injured and didn’t make it to the lineup.

In 92 career games with the WBS Penguins, Ouellet scored four goals and 38 assists for 42 total points. At 30 years old, Ouellet did join the Penguins organization with NHL experience.

Between the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens, Ouellet has appeared in 178 career NHL games with five goals and 28 total points under his belt.

Ouellet was due to become an unrestricted free agent come the opening of free agency.

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

Bubble Penguins: Who's Staying, Who's Going?

Former Penguins To Meet in Stanley Cup Final

Penguins Top Prospect Wins Coveted CHL Award

Penguins Second Round Targets at NHL Draft

Penguins May Finally Sign Long-Rumored Forward

• undefined