The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned three players to the AHL to kick off their bye week.

PITTSBURGH – The bye week has arrived for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but a few key youngsters will continue to work after being re-assigned to the American Hockey League. The Penguins announced that forward Valtteri Puustinen and defenseman Ryan Shea were sent to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. 

Defenseman John Ludvig was also re-assigned on for conditioning purposes.

This will be Puustinen’s first trip back to WBS after being recalled by the Penguins in early December. He’s played in 21 games over that time with a goal and seven assists for eight total points.

Puustinen started well with six points in his first eight games, including his first career goal, but more recent matches have been a struggle. His ice time dwindled, and a level of confidence seemed to be lost.

Shea didn’t lace up for the Penguins in his most recent recall, rather serving as the seventh defensive option.

Ludvig has been on injured reserve since early January and has been slowly working his way back. According to head coach Mike Sullivan, Ludvig and Reilly Smith have been skating by themselves and making progress.

While the NHL Penguins are off until February 6, the WBS Penguins will play three games in that time.

When the Penguins return to play after the All-Star break, Ludvig will likely make his return while Puustinen and Shea’s spots are a bit more questionable. Sam Poulin has been on a great run with WBS as has Jesse Puljujarvi on his professional tryout deal.

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