The Penguins have recalled forward Joseph Blandisi on an emergency basis ahead of Thursday night's game against the Blue Jackets, Jim Rutherford announced Thursday morning.
Mike Sullivan announced during his pregame availability that Evgeni Malkin will miss Thursday's game with an illness, which explains the Blandisi recall.
Emergency recalls can only be made if a team cannot dress a full lineup of two goaltenders, six defensemen, and 12 forwards. The CBA designates that the reason for the shortage must be due to "incapacitating injury or illness or league suspension."
The Penguins were not carrying any extra forwards on the roster (Juuso Riikola doesn't count as a forward here, even given his experience), which is why the Blandisi recall was done on an emergency basis.