The Pittsburgh Penguins announced they have recalled 13 players to serve as Black Aces from their AHL team, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, who were eliminated from the AHL playoffs Thursday. The AHL team was swept out of the first round by the Charlotte Checkers, with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton team falling in a 7-3 defeat in their third game.
The team recalled seven forwards, including Josh Jooris, Daniel Sprong, Thomas Di Pauli, Adam Johnson, Teddy Blueger, Garrett Wilson and Jean-Sebastien Dea. They also brought up four defensemen, adding Lukas Bengtsson, Chris Summers, Jarred Tinordi and Andrey Pedan. The team also recalled goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Michael Leighton.
Sprong stands out amongst the Penguins prospects. The 21-year-old 2015 second rounder got into eight games with Pittsburgh earlier this season while the team was hit with injuries and needed depth help. He scored two goals and an added an assist. The hope is that the prospects gain as much knowledge as possible while being around the Penguins throughout their playoff run.
“Whenever a young player has an opportunity to be around a team like ours and watch how our veteran players carry themselves during and between games – it’s a great learning opportunity,” said Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. “Our guys have had a great chance to soak it all in.”