Penguins Demote Johnson but No Other Move

In a curious move Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins assigned spare defenseman Ryan Johnson to the Wiles-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

And in the process, the team opened a roster spot but did not immediately fill it. Adding the curious timing of the move, Penguins left-handed defenseman Sam Girard was injured in the second period Saturday in the team’s 6-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights and did not return.

Penguins lines: projected lineup and starting goalie →

Girard slammed hard into the end wall and lay on the ice, seeming dazed.

The Penguins acquired Johnson last week in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres for defensemen Caleb Johnson and Daniel Laatsch.

The move opened a roster spot but potentially leaves the team with only five healthy defensemen. The team made no other roster moves as of 2 p.m. ET.

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