Possible Penguins call-up dealing with injury

The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a rocky start to the season and were possibly eyeing some reinforcements for a fourth line that has been unable to generate anything thus far this season. Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey is reporting that the team received some unfortunate news on the injury front as a couple of possible call-ups are hurt and will be out week-to-week.

Sam Poulin received an extended look at Penguins training camp and was likely one of the first players in line for an NHL call-up. But, unfortunately for the 22-year-old center, it appears he will be out of action with a lower-body injury. Poulin missed a good portion of last season to focus on his mental health and came back this year looking stronger than ever. His positive play hasn’t translated to his offensive numbers as he has just a goal and an assist in five AHL games, but he remains one of the Penguins’ best call-up options in the AHL and could receive a promotion when he returns to action.

In other Penguins injury notes:

• Valtteri Puustinen is also out week to week for the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, according to Androckitis. The 24-year-old was another Penguins forward who had a strong showing at training camp and could have likely cracked the lineup if it weren’t for his contract status. Puustinen is out with an upper-body injury, which when added to Poulin’s injury could leave the Penguins with very few call-up options should they decide to make the move for fourth-line reinforcements from internally.
• Finally, Androckitis is reporting that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins netminder Garret Sparks will be out of action week-to-week after suffering a lower-body injury. The 30-year-old goaltender signed a one-year AHL contract with the Baby Penguins in the offseason and has dressed in just one game so far this year. The Penguins signed several goaltenders with NHL experience in the offseason to try to build up depth at the position for circumstances such as this. Sparks backstopped the Toronto Marlies to a Calder Cup in 2018 on top of playing 40 career NHL games.