Penguins Update: Rakell Returns, Hinostroza Placed on Waivers

Forward Rickard Rakell, who last played on November 19, is set to make his return to the lineup when the Penguins square off against the Maple Leafs tonight following a lengthy stint on IR.

To make room, the team placed forward Vinnie Hinostroza on waivers.

There’s even an extra silver lining to Rakell’s anticipated return. Coach Mike Sullivan plans to slot the silky Swede next to Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel on the top line. If ever there was a chance for RikRak to bust out of his protracted season-opening slump (no goals in 17 games), it will come skating alongside Sid and Jake.

Rakell skated almost exclusively on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Reilly Smith to open the season, a deployment that appeared to benefit his linemates while contributing mightily to his personal slump. It’s well-documented that the 30-year-old forward is more productive and has better metrics skating on Sid’s line.

Too, I’ve liked the look of rookie Valtteri Puustinen on Geno’s flank. He’s added some youthful energy, not to mention a healthy dollop of skill and playmaking ability.

On the flip side, has anyone bounced around, or more accurately, been bounced around more than Hinostroza? He’s gone from skating on the fourth line to eating press box nachos (which, frankly, I don’t get) to playing on the top line in our recent victory over Montreal. He’s even seen duty on the first power play.

To my eye, Hinostroza’s been an effective and energetic plug-in, capable of slotting up and down the lineup. A poor man’s Evan Rodrigues, if you will. Not to demean these guys, but I think Vinnie brings a lot more to the table than, say, Jansen Harkins or emergency recall Marc Johnstone.

To illustrate my point, Hinostroza unleashed 11 shots on goal the past two games. Although he got my vote for President thanks to his shootout winner, Harkins has mustered a grand total of nine shots on goal in 13 games.

Different usage, I know. But still.

A commenter on another site suggested the move could be cap-related. That may well be the case.

Anyway, here’s hoping Rakell gets off the schneid skating with the big boys. And here’s hoping for a triumphant return to Toronto for POHO/GM Kyle Dubas.

Down on the Farm

Per mutual agreement, the Pens have released Libor Hajek from his contract. The 25-year-old defenseman plans to return to his native Czechia.

In 110 NHL games, all with the Rangers, Hajek tallied a modest four goals and 12 points. During an 11-game stint with the Baby Pens, the stay-at-home defender and former second-round pick of the Lightning had no points and 14 penalty minutes to go with a minus-5.

Hajek is the second defenseman invited to training camp on a PTO to be released this season. The Baby Pens released Mark Pysyk on November 28. He was subsequently signed by Calgary.

In addition, the Pens terminated the contract of forward Andreas Johnsson on November 8.