With Patric Hornqvist sidelined for at least one game, the Penguins have recalled Zach Aston-Reese from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He will look to make his NHL debut tonight against the Devils in Newark, just a few miles from his native Staten Island, N.Y.
The Penguins also placed Conor Sheary on injured reserve. Sheary suffered a lower body injury in Tuesday's win over the Sharks. By being placed on IR, Sheary is out at least seven days. Mike Sullivan called Sheary's injury "week-to-week."
Aston-Reese was a prized free agent signing last summer after being a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He led Northeastern and the nation in goals (31) and points (62) last season.
A left-shooting right wing, Aston-Reese (6-foot, 204 pounds) has registered 29 points (nine goals) in 41 games, including 15 points in his last 14 games, to rank third on Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
His last goal for Wilkes-Barre was this overtime winner on Jan. 27 against the Binghamton Devils:
Here's what Wilkes-Barre/Scranton coach Clark Donatelli told our Taylor Haase about Aston-Reese last month:
“Yeah, we can say he had a slow start, coming out of training camp, but he’s really playing well, I want to say over the last 20 games," Donatelli said. "He’s really come on, he’s really detailed, he’s a very smart player out there. He hasn’t got some puck luck, he gets a lot of scoring chances out there. He gets them because he’s in the right spot, he’s playing good defense first, which creates offense for him. He’s real good on the forecheck, he’s a big, strong forward. He’s really come a long way in the last 60 days or so, it’s really good to see.”
Hornqvist was injured early in the third period of Friday night's 7-4 win over the Capitals after taking a hit from Brooks Orpik as he carried the puck into the offensive zone. Mike Sullivan said after Friday's game that he will give an update on Hornqvist's condition tonight. He is scheduled to speak with the media at the Prudential Center at 5 p.m.
DK will have all your coverage from Newark. Much more to come!
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