Penguins make pair of roster moves in advance of star player's return

The Penguins are set to welcome back Tristan Jarry between the pipes Saturday night against Buffalo, meaning that they’re now able to return Joel Blomqvist to the AHL.  Per a team announcement, they’ve done just that, sending the young netminder down to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.  Taking his place on the roster will be forward Vinnie Hinostroza.

Blomqvist was recalled on Thursday and served as the backup to Magnus Hellberg on Thursday night in Los Angeles.  The 21-year-old is in his first full season in North America and has yet to see any action at the top level.  Blomqvist is off to a nice start with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, posting a 1.91 GAA and a .920 SV% in his first seven appearances; his GAA is the fifth-best among qualifying netminders at the minor league level.  He’ll go back to being their undisputed starter with Hellberg, who started the season in the minors, still up with Pittsburgh.

As for Hinostroza, this is already his fifth promotion to the NHL this season as he has frequently been shuffled to and from the minors.  The 29-year-old has suited up twice for the Penguins so far, picking up a goal and an assist despite averaging just 9:10 per contest.  He has been similarly productive in the minors, collecting two goals and two helpers in five contests.  Signed to a one-year contract last summer, Hinostroza is likely to continue to be one of the first forwards recalled when Pittsburgh has the roster and cap space to do so.