The Pittsburgh Penguins lifted a suspension of defensive prospect Emil Pieniniemi after he agreed to report to the ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers.<\/p>\n
In October, Pieniniemi declined to report to Wheeling and instead traveled to his home country of Finland and has been training for several weeks with his former team, Karpat of that country\u2019s top league, the Liiga.<\/p>\n
Pieniniemi has not played in any games of consequence during his suspension. In fact, he hasn\u2019t played in any sort of contests, including the preseason games, since April, when he skated at the junior level with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).<\/p>\n
Team management intended for Pieniniemi to report to Wheeling to begin his professional career in North America and outlined a development plan for him. He was said to have disagreed with the plan, and that dispute led to the impasse.<\/p>\n
It is not quite certain when Pieniniemi will arrive in Wheeling but, per a Penguins spokesperson, management\u2019s plan is for him to practice with the team to regain his conditioning before participating in games after Christmas.<\/p>\n
Representatives for Pieniniemi have not responded to repeated inquiries for comment.<\/p>\n
Pieniniemi, 20, skated for the Penguins during the Prospect Challenge, a showcase event hosted by the Buffalo Sabres, in September, then participated in the NHL club\u2019s training camp but did not suit up for any preseason games.<\/p>\n
On Sept. 27, he was assigned to Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton of the American Hockey League. By Oct. 6, he was assigned to Wheeling but never reported. That led to the team\u2019s suspension.<\/p>\n
Pieniniemi was part of president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas\u2019 first draft class with the Penguins and signed a three-year entry-level contract a few weeks after being selected (July 14, 2023).<\/p>\n
After playing the 2023-24 season primarily with Karpat, Pieniniemi spent the 2024-25 campaign at the junior level in North America, skating for the Frontenacs.<\/p>\n
Last season, the left-hander was productive, posting 60 points (10 goals, 50 assists) in 60 games.<\/p>\n
During the Penguins\u2019 prospect camp in July, Pieniniemi suggested he was ready to adjust to the professional game on this continent.<\/p>\n
\u201cI played pro in (Finland),\u201d Pieniniemi said July <\/a>5<\/a>. \u201cSo, I already know what it is. Much stronger guys. Faster guys. It\u2019s (a) big step.\u201d<\/p>\n