PITTSBURGH – Jesse Puljujarvi is still new to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup, but he may already be getting some time off. In the Penguins’ most recent practice, Puljujarvi was rotating in and out of line rushes.
There was a gluttony of forwards in attendance at the skate, but Puljujarvi sometimes seemed like the odd man out. Recalled forwards Valtteri Puustinen, Jonathan Gruden, and Vinnie Hinostroza were all present while waiver claim Matthew Phillips played a steady role on the third line.
Puljujarvi rotated in his usual third-line spot, but his lineup spot against the Los Angeles Kings isn’t set in stone. In his first five games with the Penguins, Puljujarvi has yet to score a point while seeing time on both the third and second lines.
If Puljujarvi does not play, it could also result from monitoring his gameplay. He underwent extensive double hip surgery over the offseason and took over six months to return to game action.
The Penguins have never illuded to sheltering Puljujarvi’s minutes, but considering the depth of his surgery, load management can’t be out of the question. The Penguins also have a good group of forwards they believe could easily step into that position if needed.
Puustinen, Gruden, and Hinostroza have seen NHL action this year and could step up at a moment's notice.
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