Penguins Recall Avery Hayes and Two Others

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to navigate significant changes on their roster for their final game before the Olympic break. Winger Avery Hayes has officially been recalled to the NHL. This move aims to address the team’s ongoing player shortages due to injuries and personal commitments.

Avery Hayes’ NHL Debut

Avery Hayes will make his NHL debut as the Penguins face the absence of several key players. These include Noel Acciari, Rickard Rakell, and Blake Lizotte. Acciari is sidelined due to an illness and was ultimately scratched from the game after being a game-time decision. Rakell is dealing with a lower-body injury and is currently considered day-to-day. His participation in the upcoming Olympic games remains uncertain. Lizotte, meanwhile, is away from the team for the birth of his child.

Lineup Adjustments

With these absences, the Penguins will rely heavily on forward Benjamin Kindel and Egor Chinakhov. Both players are expected to be central to the team’s offensive strategy. Interestingly, Kindel has even earned top power-play responsibilities. Their recent performances have been encouraging:

• Chinakhov has scored six points in his last six games.
• Kindel has contributed five points during the same period.

The two forwards will work to compensate for the gaps left by the injured and absent players. Notably, Lizotte and Acciari have been performing well, each tallying four points, while Rakell has three.

Hayes’ Performance in the AHL

Hayes joins the Penguins after an impressive stint in the AHL. This season, he accumulated 23 points and 41 penalty minutes over 31 games. His performance is a significant improvement compared to last season, where he scored 23 goals and 42 points in 60 games while registering 58 penalty minutes.

Career Highlights

In addition to his AHL achievements, the undrafted Hayes boasts a notable junior career. He won two OHL championships during his four-year tenure in the league. Known for his versatility as a plug-and-play winger, Hayes has demonstrated the ability to fit seamlessly alongside various linemates. The Penguins hope he can bring that same adaptability to the NHL level.

As the team prepares for the game, all eyes will be on Hayes. His performance could play a crucial role in the Penguins’ strategy as they navigate a challenging period in the season.