Penguins Announce Roster Move Ahead of Tonight's Divisional Matchup

Emil Bemstrom has been reassigned to the minor league AHL affiliate by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This move does not relate to any specific injury, as there are no reported issues with his health.

Bemstrom's performance this season includes only two games played without any goals or assists. He only recorded two shots on goal in these two games and has averaged just over 12 minutes of ice time per game.

This reassignment to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins may provide Bemstrom with the opportunity to gain more playing time and develop his skills.

Perhaps with some strong performances there, he will get another shot with the big club later this season.

Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust are also both expected to play, and head coach Mike Sullivan will also provide an official update on Sidney Crosby at 1 PM EST.

If the Penguins are to formally activate forwards Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust from injured reserve, which is expected in advance of their game against the Washington Capitals, they need to create space on the active NHL roster.

This is the primary reason that Bemstrom was sent down today, which all but signals the team is getting a lot healthier now.

An All-Star at the AHL level, Bemstrom has played in 41 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and is that team's leading scorer with 44 points (20 goals and 24 assists).

Bemstrom is signed to a one-year contract with a salary cap hit of $775,000, which is the league minimum.