The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned forward Kasper Bjorkqvist to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL) on Friday.
Initially recalled Monday, Bjorkqvist was a healthy scratch for games Tuesday and Thursday.
The 24-year-old has played in four AHL games this season and has one goal.
Bjorkqvist’s assignment comes as the Penguins appear to be on the verge of welcoming forward Sidney Crosby back to their lineup. On Friday, Crosby participated during practice in Cranberry, centering the team’s top line. He has been sidelined since undergoing surgery Oct. 8.
Crosby is on the NHL’s nonroster injured list.
Additionally, forward Jeff Carter, who has been in isolation while on the NHL’s list for covid-19 protocol, rejoined his teammates on the ice during Friday’s practice session.
