The Pittsburgh Penguins organization cleared space on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins roster Tuesday, demoting four players to the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.

One of those players is noteworthy: Emil Pieniniemi.

The Penguins selected Pieniniemi, a defenseman, in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft (91st overall), and this is his first professional season in North America, but it has not been smooth.

Pieniniemi, 20, did not make the AHL roster following the WBS Penguins’ October training camp and was assigned to Wheeling, but he quickly refused the assignment and returned home to Finland. However, contractual obligations prevented him from playing in Finland.

During the dispute, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas publicly stated the organization would not cave to Pieniniemi’s demands, and the organization would not release him from his contract.

Pieniniemi eventually returned to the Penguins organization in late December.

After a 10-game stint in Wheeling, the 6-foot-3, 177-pound defenseman was recalled to the AHL and made his debut on Jan. 31. He played in eight AHL games, registering one goal and two assists. He showed well in bursts of play, and while Pittsburgh Hockey Now noted his potential, PHN did not grade him highly during a mid-February scouting trip.

You can read more on our scouting here.

Forwards Raivis Ansons and Nolan Renwick, along with defenseman Scooter Brickey, were the other three demotions to Wheeling.

Matt Dumba Update

Dumba, 31, is on an NHL contract but cleared waivers and the organization assigned him to WBS on Dec. 13. After a rocky start, Dumba was on a hot streak leading to the AHL’s All-Star break the week of Feb. 12.

Dumba had 12 points in five games before the break, but like the rest of the team, got off to a slow start after the break. Then Dumba suffered what appeared to be a facial injury in a 4-3 OT loss to the Cleveland Monsters on Feb. 15 when a Cleveland player’s attempted shot into the offensive zone instead hit him in the face.

The right-handed defenseman with an NHL salary cap hit of $3.75 million immediately fell to the ice and then skated to the dressing room, holding his jaw or mouth. Referees also appeared to pick up teeth off the ice and quickly delivered them to trainers.

Dumba did not play the following game on Feb. 18 against Springfield, but resumed play Saturday against Bridgeport, registering one assist.

Tags: emil pieniniemi Matt Dumba

Categorized:Penguins Prospects