Pens call up Beau Bennett

Per the Penguins:

The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Beau Bennett from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Bennett, 21, will be looking to make his NHL debut on Friday night at Winnipeg. The rookie forward placed second on WBS with 18 assists and fourth with 25 points in 35 games this season. Last month, he was chosen to represent the Penguins at the AHL All-Star Classic, although he didn’t play in the game due to injury.

In the wake of the trade that sent Eric Tangradi out of town yesterday, the Penguins did have the roster space. The call up of Bennett is a curious one. The Pens top professional forward prospect has missed time lately with injury, and his wrist has rumored not to be 100% yet this season.

Still, the Pens are dying to get anything from a top six forward. Tangradi couldn't cut it on the Evgeni Malkin / James Neal line and the team claimed Zach Boychuk off of waivers. Through seven games with the Pens, being used almost exclusively with Malkin and Neal, Boychuk has 0 goals and 0 assists.

Bennett wowed many, in the Black-Gold training camp game last month, showcasing his slick hands, good skating and mind for the game. It has seemed like just a matter of time until he would get the chance to prove himself at the NHL level, and that chance could start tomorrow night in Winnipeg, if the Pens want to plug him in the lineup.