Some 12 hours before they are to kick off their west coast trip with tonight's game against the Ducks in Anaheim, the Penguins have recalled forward Jean-Sebastien Dea from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Dea has recorded 23 points -- nine goals and 14 assists to go along with a plus-13 rating -- in 36 AHL games this season, making him Wilkes-Barre's third-leading scorer. He has nine points in his last 10 games, including six assists.
The 23-year-old made his NHL debut last season, playing in the Penguins' regular-season finale against the Rangers in New York. He also served on Pittsburgh's black aces during each of the past two Stanley Cup runs.
With the Penguins carrying three goalies on the roster, a move will be needed to make way for Matt Murray's expected return. Wilkes-Barre coach Clark Donatelli discussed Dea and other prospects with our Taylor Haase last week.
Matt Gajtka is in Anaheim and will have much more to come later. The Penguins will not hold a morning skate but Mike Sullivan will speak to the media at Honda Center at 8 p.m. Eastern.