The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have secured their place in the playoffs, and now, two of their talented young players are getting an opportunity at the NHL level.
Forwards Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen have been called up from the AHL to join the Pittsburgh Penguins. In a corresponding move, forward Joona Koppanen has been reassigned to the AHL.
McGroarty has been productive in the AHL, scoring 14 goals and totaling 39 points in 60 games. The 20-year-old has also played in three NHL games this season but is still seeking his first NHL point with Pittsburgh.
Originally drafted 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022, McGroarty joined the Penguins organization in August in a trade for Brayden Yager, the 14th overall pick in 2023.
Koivunen is the leading rookie scorer in the AHL this season, with 21 goals and 55 points. The 21-year-old was initially drafted in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021 and later became a Penguin as part of the trade package for Jake Guentzel.
