The Penguins announced they’ve recalled right-shot defenseman Nathan Clurman from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The club opened an active roster spot by transferring left-shot defender Marcus Pettersson to injured reserve after listing him as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
Clurman, 26, signed a two-way deal with the Penguins in July and has played 16 games for WBS. He’s posted a goal and four assists for five points, a slightly higher point-per-game rate than the defensive blue-liner posted in the past, while adding eight penalty minutes and a +3 rating.
It’s the first NHL recall for Clurman, who now has the opportunity to make his NHL debut tonight against the Kings. The 6’2″, 205-lb defender was a sixth-round pick of the Avalanche back in 2016 and, after a collegiate career at Notre Dame, remained in the Colorado organization on AHL and ECHL assignments until reaching Group VI unrestricted free agency last summer. Before joining Pittsburgh, Clurman had 21 points and a +20 rating in 110 games for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles from 2021 to 2024 and 27 points with a +15 rating in 62 games for the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies.
The 2023-24 season was tough for Clurman, who stayed on the AHL roster for the entire season but didn’t receive regular playing time. He only appeared in 37 of the Eagles’ 72 games, so it wasn’t surprising to see the Avalanche let him hit the open market.
Clurman cleared waivers during the preseason, the first time he’s had to do so before an AHL assignment. He can remain on the active roster for up to 30 days or play 10 games before he needs them again to return to WBS.
As for Pettersson, his move is a mere formality. His week-to-week designation indicates he’ll miss far more time than the seven days required for a standard IR placement. So, don’t expect him to be immediately activated upon becoming eligible this weekend. He’ll miss Pittsburgh’s next three games at a minimum after sustaining the injury on Saturday against the Senators.