Penguins Re-Assign Ryan Shea, Vinnie Hinostroza to AHL

Ryan Shea has cleared waivers as the Pittsburgh Penguins continue to regain health on the blue line.

After 24 hours on the waiver wire, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Shea has cleared and can now be sent to the American Hockey League.

While that is an option, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Penguins will send Shea to the minors right away.

The move is likely considering multiple depth defenseman have recently returned to the lineup, but it might not happen right away.

At bare minimum, the Penguins now have 30 days where they can send Shea back and forth between the AHL and NHL as much as they please.

This isn’t a new practice from the Penguins, either as Vinnie Hinostroza was recently placed on waivers, but was never sent down and played against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hinostroza was a healthy scratch the following game against the Minnesota Wild.

If Shea and/or Hinostroza are heading to the AHL, they will likely be moved before the day is out since the NHL is about to enter the holiday roster freeze.

From December 20 to 28, no players can be traded, loaned, or placed on waivers.

In 22 games played at the NHL level this season, Shea has not scored a point while being a regular face on the Penguins third pairing.

UPDATE: The Penguins have officially moved both Shea and Hinostroza to the AHL.

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