PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan) The Pittsburgh Penguins have seen their fair share of streaky players so far this season and it might be coming to a head with the possible benching of Kasperi Kapanen.
If Kapanen is in-fact benched for a time, who will take his roster spot?
The Penguins called up forward Valterri Puustinen from the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Puustinen has made his name known in the system this year by leading all WBS Penguins in goals and points (17, 34).
Six power play goals in 53 games all coming in his first professional season in North America.
If he sees NHL action, the 22-year-old Finnish native would be the first Penguins pick of the 2019 Draft to suit up for Pittsburgh.
The timing of the call-up aligns with the possibility of Kapanen being benched following an abysmal season.
Through 57 games, Kapanen has scored 9 goals and 17 assists for 26 points; Only two points since his last goal 17 games ago.
The lack of production is causing him to be a non-option for the Penguins and anyone else has a higher chance of producing with the team.
