What Happened
The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled forward Justin Brazeau from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Monday, ending a conditioning stint that followed a lower-body injury from the preseason. Brazeau appeared in two AHL games and recorded one assist. The recall was made retroactive to Rutger McGroarty being sent down to the AHL. Brazeau is expected to make his NHL season debut Tuesday when Pittsburgh hosts Vegas at 7 p.m.
Key Details
- Brazeau had a lower-body injury in the preseason and played two AHL games on a conditioning stint, recording one assist.
- The recall was made retroactive to Rutger McGroarty being sent down to the AHL.
- Brazeau is expected to make his season debut Tuesday against Vegas at 7 p.m.
- He is in the first year of a two-year, $1.5MM AAV contract signed in free agency.
- He posted a career-high 17 goals and 34 points in 64 games in 2025-26.
- Pittsburgh is 5-7-2 through 14 games and second-to-last in the Eastern Conference wild card standings.
What It Means
Pittsburgh has been hit hard by injuries early in the season and sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference wild card race at 5-7-2. Brazeau gives the lineup another offensive option after his career-best 17-goal, 34-point campaign in 2025-26. According to Pro Hockey Rumors, he ranked third on the team in points off the rush since joining in 2025-26, and his return adds production to a group that has struggled to generate scoring.
What's Next
Brazeau is expected to make his season debut Tuesday against Vegas at 7 p.m. Pittsburgh will look to climb out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference wild card standings with him back in the lineup.