Penguins Recall Defenseman Hour Before Game

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled defenseman Ryan Shea Tuesday evening, one hour before game time against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadien Tire Centre.

Penguins forward Jonathan Gruden cleared waivers at 2 p.m. Tuesday, but the Penguins did not make a corresponding recall until Shea’s move.

Shea, 27, was the surprise of the Penguins training camp and made the NHL roster. He signed a two-way contract with the Penguins organization after three years with the Dallas Stars organization.

He made his NHL debut with the Penguins on Oct. 21 against the St. Louis Blues and played 22 NHL games. He has yet to register his first point or goal in the NHL.

This season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, the steady defenseman has six points, including scoring a pair of goals.

At the morning skate Tuesday, coach Mike Sullivan did not use a third pairing. Both P.O Joseph and John Ludvig skated with extra forwards and not with each other. As of publishing, it’s not known whether Ludvig or Shea will play the right side of the third pairing. Joseph, Ludvig, and Shea are left-handed, so someone will play their offside. Both Ludvig and Shea have played the right side this season.

All three players took warmups.