The Pittsburgh Penguins have swapped skaters with their American Hockey League affiliate.

PITTSBURGH – With defenseman Ryan Grave expected to miss time due to a concussion, the Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled a defender from the American Hockey League. Before departing on a four-game road trip, the Penguins recalled first-year defenseman Ryan Shea to the NHL roster.

Shea joins fellow first-year defenders Jack St. Ivany and John Ludvig on the Penguins NHL roster. All three have been regulars in the lineup at different points of the season and made their NHL debuts this year.

With Graves out of the lineup, the early expectation is that Ludvig will slot back in and share a blue line with St. Ivany. Shea's recall does open up a chance for him to re-enter the lineup for the first time since early December.

Shea has appeared in 22 games and has not recorded a single point. He earned his way onto the roster out of training camp and has played an average of 12:28 per game.

In addition to Shea’s recall, the Penguins have re-assigned Jonathan Gruden forward. Gruden has played in 13 games this season, scoring a goal and averaging 8:40 of ice time.

Gruden was healthy scratched from the Penguins lineup in their win over the Columbus Blue Jackets as Jeff Carter returned from an upper-body injury.

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