After Drew O'Connor was re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Sunday, the Penguins recalled forward Filip Hallander from the AHL on Monday, it was announced by Ron Hextall.
Hallander, 22, leads all Wilkes-Barre/Scranton skaters in scoring with nine points (four goals, five assists) in 10 games this season. He has registered 24 shots on goal, and also leads the team with a plus-7 rating.
His early-season production is a big step up from the 14 goals and 14 assists he recorded in 61 regular-season games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season. Hallander made his NHL debut at the end of last season on Apr. 7 against the Rangers. He had 12 shifts, 5:52 of ice-time and did not have a shot on goal.
Hallander's recall might signal that Teddy Blueger won't be quite ready to go for the Penguins' Wednesday night matchup in Washington against the Capitals. Blueger has been out since training camp with an upper-body injury. He is currently on long-term injured reserve, and when the Penguins activate him, they will have to clear cap space to accommodate his $2.2 million cap hit. As of now, the most likely roster casualties are Hallander and Sam Poulin.
It seems unlikely that Hallander would be recalled just to be sent down in short order, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.
The Penguins had the day off on Monday. They will return to the ice for practice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry on Tuesday. I'll have your coverage for that.
