Penguins Recall Jonathan Gruden from WBS

In a somewhat unexpected move, the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday recalled forward Jonathan Gruden from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.

No corresponding move was announced.

Penguins forward Jeff Carter missed practice Monday because of what coach Mike Sullivan called an upper-body injury, although he characterized that as precautionary. Carter has been a healthy scratch in recent games in favor of Vinnie Hinostroza as the fourth-line right winger.

The Penguins play Tuesday night in Columbus against the Blue Jackets. Sullivan could have more updates following the team’s morning skate.

Gruden, 23, had no points in his first three NHL games last season with the Penguins. First-year general manager Kyle Dubas re-signed Gruden, a restricted free agent, to a one-year contract in July.

This season, he has two goals, three points in 12 games with WBS.

Gruden was a fourth-round draft selection by the Ottawa Senators in 2018. The Penguins acquired him in the Matt Murray trade in October 2020.