Penguins recall goalie Dustin Tokarski, reassign former first-round pick Ty Smith

With Tristan Jarry scratched right before Tuesday night’s game, forcing Casey DeSmith into the lineup, the Pittsburgh Penguins have added another goaltender to the roster. Dustin Tokarski is up under emergency conditions while Jarry’s injury continues to be evaluated.

To make room, it’s Ty Smith going back down despite playing well in his recent opportunity. The young defenseman is still waiver-exempt and can be brought back once Jarry is healthy enough to continue.

Still, it has to be frustrating for Smith, who has averaged over 20 minutes a night during his call-up and has four points in nine games. That still ended up in a few healthy scratches, and with Kris Letang’s return there is even less room for Smith to get into the lineup.

But the 22-year-old has proven he should be in the NHL. That chance will come again (soon, probably), and Smith will have to be ready for it. Now, he returns to the minor leagues to stay in game shape and continue his strong play for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he has 14 points in 26 games this season.