Penguins Recall Hayes, Girard to IR

In the wake of Egor Chinakhov’s lingering lower-body injury and a sudden illness that’s afflicted Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins have summoned forward Avery Hayes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

In addition, defenseman Sam Girard, out since suffering an undisclosed injury against Vegas on January 17, has been placed on IR.

While I can’t say I’m happy about the circumstances, I’m very pleased Hayes is joining the team and, by all indications, will be making his season debut tonight against the Predators. The feisty 5’10”, 189-pounder’s a favorite of mine.

In addition to his speed, which makes him a demon on the forecheck, I love Avery’s scrappy, hell-bent style and willingness to engage. Qualities in short supply around these parts.

Hayes has a nose for the net, too. Five goals, including a pair of two-goal efforts, in 16 games with the Pens last season while skating predominantly on the fourth line. A team-best five goals and nine points in six games with the Baby Pens this season. Twenty-nine goals and 48 points in his last 48 AHL games.

IMHO, we can sorely use a double-shot of the spunk and adrenalin the 24-year-old’s sure to provide.