Veterans Danton Heinen and Ryan Graves have been recalled to the Pittsburgh Penguins after strong performances with their AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The moves come amid injuries to other forwards and a busy schedule ahead. Both players cleared waivers following training camp and impressed with their work ethic and production.
After a competitive training camp, Danton Heinen and Ryan Graves were placed on waivers but cleared and assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Penguins head coach Dan Muse praised their approach, calling reports from the AHL "outstanding" and noting they "chose the correct path" by working hard without complaint.
Heinen, 30, led the AHL with 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in his time with WBS, topping the team in goals, assists, points, and power-play goals (3, tied for third league-wide). Acquired by Pittsburgh at last year's trade deadline, Heinen adapted to center in the AHL and rejoined practice centering Phil Tomasino and Ville Koivunen. "I just want to prove that I believe I’m an NHLer and I believe that I can help this team win," Heinen said.
Graves, a 30-year-old defenseman in the third year of a six-year contract signed in 2023, recorded 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists) in 10 AHL games, leading WBS defensemen in points and the team with a +9 plus/minus rating. "You get a lot of opportunity to play... It’s nice to be able to build confidence," Graves said.
The recalls on Tuesday support a stretched roster ahead of three games in four days. Injuries include Justin Brazeau (upper-body, out minimum four weeks) and Noel Acciari (upper-body, out minimum three weeks). Owen Pickering was reassigned to WBS, and Filip Hallander left practice early with no update from Muse.
Practice lines included Kindel-Crosby-Rust, Mantha-Malkin-Novak, Tomasino-Heinen-Koivunen, and defense pairs like Graves-Clifton. Sidney Crosby noted Ben Kindel's speed on their line, while Kindel expressed gratitude for the opportunity.