Penguins Send 5 Players Back to WBS

Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins get roster boost for final regular season games

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a hockey game, with sharp planes of ice, sticks, and players' bodies in motion, conceptually representing the strategic roster moves by the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.The Pittsburgh Penguins' roster moves ahead of the AHL playoffs showcase the team's depth and commitment to developing young talent.Scranton Today

The Pittsburgh Penguins have sent five players back to their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, ahead of the final three games of the WBS regular season. The returning players include Avery Hayes, Rutger McGroarty, Ville Koivunen, Joona Koppanen, and Rafael Harvey-Pinard.

Why it matters

The WBS Penguins have already clinched a first-round bye in the Atlantic Division playoffs, so getting these top prospects and depth players back will bolster their roster for the final stretch and help them prepare for the postseason.

The details

The Penguins recalled the five players from emergency duty with the NHL club, where they were filling in for injured veterans. Hayes scored two goals in his NHL debut on Tuesday. McGroarty, Koivunen, and Koppanen were emergency recalls, while Harvey-Pinard was specifically called up for the Penguins' regular season finale.

  • The WBS Penguins have three games remaining in their regular season.
  • The players will rejoin the WBS Penguins starting on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Avery Hayes

A forward who scored two goals in his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rutger McGroarty

A forward who was on emergency recall with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ville Koivunen

A forward who was on emergency recall with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Joona Koppanen

A forward who was on emergency recall with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rafael Harvey-Pinard

A forward who was specifically called up by the Pittsburgh Penguins for their regular season finale.

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What’s next

The WBS Penguins face the Hershey Bears at Mohegan Sun Arena on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Getting these top prospects and depth players back will provide a boost to the WBS Penguins as they prepare for the playoffs after already clinching a first-round bye in the Atlantic Division.