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Nieto, Ponomarev recalled, Blomqvist sent back to Wilkes-Barre

On Thursday, the Penguins called up 2 players and sent 1 player back down to their AHL squad.

ByTyler Miller|
Nov 22, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Matt Nieto (83) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Matt Nieto (83) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that they had recalled forwards Matt Nieto and Vasily Ponomarev and sent goaltender Joel Blomqvist back to WIlkes-Barre Scranton as a corresponding move since Tristan Jarry is healthy now.

Nieto and Ponomarev are depth with Blake Lizotte injured again

In the middle of Wednesday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, forward Blake Lizotte took a puck to the face and went down the runway and did not return. Right before the third period got underway, he was ruled out for the rest of the game.

The Penguins have not had an update on his status for Friday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it does not seem good with the Penguins calling up two more forwards.

Nieto has not played in an NHL game since Dec. 30, 2023, in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ponomarev has not seen NHL action since late last year when he debuted for the Carolna Hurricanes in a game against the Washington Capitals. It seems that Ponomarev would have made the opening night roster out of training camp had he stayed healthy.

Blomqvist being sent down won't sit well with fans but is the right move

Joel Blomqvist had a nice little run on the Penguins roster since Jarry had been on a conditioning stint in the AHL, but it was time to send Blomqvist back with Jarry returning. Sure Blomqvist was the only one out of the three goalies that had a positive goals saved above expected, but he needs more time in the AHL.

It seems increasingly likely that Blomqvist will finish out the year with Wilkes-Barre and have a full-time roster spot with the Penguins next season. He is only 22 years old and is still really young and is still learning.

He needs to find some consistency and have an almost full season in the minor leagues before having a full season in the majors.

Jarry needs to prove those numbers he put up in Wilkes-Barre were not a joke

Tristan Jarry put up some nice numbers in 5 games with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, but he needs to prove it back in the NHL.

Jarry was originally sent on his conditioning stint in the AHL because he stunk and was lost in the NHL to begin the year. And this is his final shot, or else he could be sitting in the press box for the rest of the season because the coaching staff cannot trust him.

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