Penguins Recall Goaltender Taylor Gauthier and Forward Avery Hayes
The Pittsburgh Penguins made roster moves before Sunday’s home game against the Florida Panthers. The club recalled players from its minor-league affiliates ahead of warmups.
Roster moves and injuries
Both transactions were announced shortly before pregame warmups. Goaltender Stuart Skinner did not dress because of an undisclosed injury.
Skinner served as the backup during Saturday’s 9-4 home win over the Panthers. He showed a visible abrasion near his left eye after that game.
Why the team acted
The Penguins called up players as Skinner’s status remained uncertain into Sunday morning. Availability and travel time influenced the choices.
Goaltender recall
Penguins Recall Goaltender Taylor Gauthier to the NHL roster from the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers. It is his first NHL recall in four years.
Gauthier was chosen over some higher-profile prospects because Wheeling is closer to Pittsburgh. That made it easier to reach PPG Paints Arena before the 3:08 p.m. opening faceoff.
| Player | League | Games | Record | GAA | SV% | Shutouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Gauthier | ECHL | 33 | 18-10-2 | 2.00 | .932 | 3 |
Gauthier is the Nailers’ all-time leader in goaltending wins. He recently made 26 saves on 28 shots in a 4-2 road win at Toledo.
The right-catching netminder is on a one-year two-way deal with a $775,000 cap hit. He was expected to back up rookie Arturs Silovs for Sunday’s game.
Forward recall
The team also added Forward Avery Hayes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. Hayes had been shuffled between the NHL and AHL this season.
| Player | NHL Games | NHL Goals | AHL Games | AHL Points | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avery Hayes | 13 | 3 | 40 | 38 (23G,15A) | Year 1 of a 2-year ELC; $830,000 cap hit |
Hayes was a healthy scratch Saturday in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s 6-2 road victory over Lehigh Valley. That move was a precaution ahead of a possible recall.
He averages 10:38 of ice time in his 13 NHL appearances this season. At the AHL level, he has shown scoring ability with 23 goals.
Other roster update
The Penguins placed defenseman Caleb Jones on injured reserve. The team announced on Friday he will miss the rest of the season.
Jones underwent surgery for a right shoulder injury. The procedure ended his season prematurely.
Next steps
- If Skinner remains unavailable, the Penguins are expected to recall Sergei Murashov from Wilkes-Barre more permanently.
- Filmogaz.com will monitor updates to the Penguins’ goaltending picture and roster moves.
