In an unexpected move, the Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled a forward today, bringing Dominik Simon up from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The 22-year old center hasn’t played a single game in the NHL this season. The Penguins had seemed to be getting healthier up front, but after watching the Washington Capitals clinch the President’s Trophy last night, may want to rest some of their battered forwards in the last few games.
Simon played just three games for Pittsburgh last year, but has been an excellent player at the AHL level since he came over from the Czech Republic. After scoring 25 goals to lead WBS last season, he’s turned in a more playmaking season with 31 assists. By all accounts, his game is developing nicely and should push for an NHL role in the next few years. The last few games could be a nice bonus for a player who has found success in the minor leagues, as each day he spends in the NHL he earns almost 10-times more than his AHL salary.
The Penguins, now three points ahead of Columbus for second in the Metro Division could lock up home ice advantage in the first round with a win over the Devils tonight paired with a loss for the Blue Jackets. Either way, those two teams are going to face off in the first round for what will be an incredible series.