Penguins Defenseman Returns From Conditioning Stint

The Pittsburgh Penguins will likely see the return of a rookie defenseman when game action resumes.

PITTSBURGH – Defenseman John Ludvig has been absent from the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup since New Year’s Eve and has been riding long-term injured reserve for the second time this season. To kick off their bye week, the Penguins sent Ludvig to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for a conditioning stint. He appeared in a pair of games leading into the AHL All-Star break.

With the Penguins and the rest of the NHL ready to resume the regular season, Ludvig was recalled back to the big club’s roster. According to CapFriendly’s automated transactions, Ludvig was recalled from his conditioning stint.

While back on the NHL roster, Ludvig is still listed on LTIR, but is eligible to return at any point.

In his first season at the NHL level, Ludvig has earned a regular role in the Penguins roster as a third pairing defenseman. He’s appeared in 19 total games and has impressed many around the organization with his gritty and physical style of play.

The Penguins return to the ice for a couple of practices before game action kicks back off on Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets. We’ll likely see more updates on Ludvig and the rest of the roster when practices start.

Matt Nieto is also on LTIR with Ludvig and Reilly Smith has missed a handful of games with an upper-body injury. Jesse Puljujarvi also did not appear in WBS' most recent contest; he is still in need of a contract before joining the NHL club.

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