Penguins Set for Season and NHL Debuts Against Panthers

Recent Pittsburgh Penguins recalls will all be in the lineup against the Florida Panthers.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to play their 26^th game of the season against the Florida Panthers, but it also be the third time they see an NHL debut this year.

Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that forwards Marc Johnstone, Jonathan Gruden, and Valtteri Puustinen will be in the Penguins’ lineup.

For Johnstone, despite being 27-years-old, it will be his NHL debut after a long road in professional hockey.

Johnstone signed with the Penguins in the early days of free agency penning his first deal with eligibility in the NHL.

So far, in 21 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Johnstone has scored two goals and three assists for five points.

Puustinen will make his 2023-24 season debut and finally notch his second career game after almost a full two years away from the NHL.

During the 2021-22 season, Puustinen made his NHL debut against the Vegas Golden Knights and recorded an assist.

Gruden played in his first three NHL games last season and is still on the hunt for his first career point; this will also be his season debut.

The Penguins have a battered and bruised lineup, which is part of the reason these opportunities have arose for these players.

They all hope to join the NHL lineup and make a difference for a Penguins team that has struggled.

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

Jake Guentzel Taking Over as Penguins Leader

Recalled Penguins Forward Took Long Road to Reach NHL

Penguins Announce Multiple Roster Moves and Changes

Penguins Make Good Use of AHL Conditioning Stints

Analyst Shreds Kyle Dubas' Work With Penguins