The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned 22-year-old forward prospect Rutger McGroarty to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, following a series of roster changes driven by injuries.
McGroarty was kept on the NHL roster as an extra forward for Thursday’s game against the Utah Mammoth and Saturday’s road contest against the Montreal Canadiens, though he did not play in either game. Upon returning to the AHL on Sunday, he immediately entered the lineup for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and scored a goal in a 5-0 victory over the Hershey Bears.
Recall History and Season Statistics
The Penguins recalled McGroarty on Oct. 22 after placing Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel on injured reserve. Rust was sidelined for six weeks retroactive to Oct. 22, while Kindel has since rejoined the team after experiencing a vasovagal episode on the team plane on Oct. 20.
McGroarty earned a spot on the NHL roster out of training camp but was reassigned before seeing game action. Following his recall, he appeared in two NHL games this season without recording a point. Over 34 career NHL appearances, the forward has registered four goals and nine points. At the AHL level this season, he has produced five goals and 10 points in seven games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
The roster adjustment came as team captain Sidney Crosby added to his career achievements by setting another NHL record on Saturday.
