NEW YORK -- Even when the Penguins get someone healthy, it seems, they'll lose someone else.
Zach Trotman was recalled Thursday morning from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL in advance of the 7:08 p.m. game here against the Islanders at Barclays Center, and the timing couldn't be a coincidence in that another right-handed defenseman, Justin Schultz, left practice early Wednesday with an undisclosed injury.
There's also a chance that, in Schultz's absence, the Penguins will turn to Chad Ruhwedel, who's yet to suit up for a game this season.
Regardless, Schultz's absence would leave the roster without its top two defensemen in Schultz and Kris Letang, as well as Sidney Crosby and Nick Bjugstad up front. Patric Hornqvist, who's missed seven games after being struck in the lower body by a shot Nov. 2, is expected to return tonight. He made it through a full-contact practice Wednesday in Cranberry, then pronounced himself ready to play.
“It was nice to get that practice with the team,” Hornqvist said Wednesday. “Get those line rushes and battles in the corners and game-like situations. It was good. It felt good, and I’m excited that everything's the right way.”
Trotman, 29, hasn't played in the NHL yet this season after undergoing sports hernia surgery during training camp. He did log 16 NHL games over the past two seasons, all for the Penguins, and recorded an assist.
The Penguins canceled their morning skate here, so further word on all of the above isn't expected until 5 p.m., when Mike Sullivan is scheduled to meet with reporters.
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