The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, having secured a playoff berth, are sending two of their talented young players to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a chance in the NHL.
Forwards Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen have been promoted from the AHL to join the Pittsburgh Penguins. In a corresponding move, forward Joona Koppanen has been reassigned to the AHL.
Rutger McGroarty, aged 20, has accumulated 14 goals and 39 points in 60 games with the AHL team. He has also played in three NHL games this season but is still seeking his first NHL point.
McGroarty was originally drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022 as the 14th overall pick. The Penguins acquired him in August in exchange for Brayden Yager, who was the 14th overall pick in 2023.
Ville Koivunen, 21, is the leading rookie scorer in the AHL with 21 goals and 55 points this season. He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2021 draft and later joined the Penguins as part of the trade involving Jake Guentzel.
