The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned forwards Atley Calvert, Avery Hayes, Tanner Howe and Mikhail Ilyin to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League on Friday.
All four players are signed to entry-level contracts. Hayes, 23, is the only member of that quartet with NHL experience, having appeared in 16 games last season and scoring five goals while averaging 11:10 of ice time per contest.
Forward Oliver Okuliar, who suffered an undisclosed injury during a practice session Saturday, was designated to the injured non-roster list and will continue his rehabilitation with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Forwards Liam and Markus Ruck were returned to their junior team, the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League. The Penguins selected the twins in this year’s NHL draft. Liam Ruck was chosen in the first round (No. 22 overall) while Markus was selected in the second round (No. 39 overall).
Goaltender Collin Delia was released from a professional tryout contract.
Forward Justin Brazeau is not practicing Friday due to a suspected right leg injury he suffered during a 4-1 home preseason win against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday.