The Pittsburgh Penguins placed defenseman Ryan Shea on waivers Monday afternoon.
Should he go unclaimed and clear by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Shea can be assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.
A first-year NHLer — who does not qualify for rookie status per NHL rules based on his age (26) — Shea has appeared in 22 games this season and has no points while averaging 12:28 of ice time per contest. He has been a healthy scratch for the past three games.
The left-handed Shea is signed to a one-year contract that carries a salary cap hit of $775,000.
This transaction comes as the Penguins are expected to formally activate a handful of players from regular or long-term injured reserve in advance of a home game against the Minnesota Wild at PPG Paints Arena Monday.
Forwards Noel Acciari and Rickard Rakell, each of whom have been sidelined for several contests, have been labeled as game-time decisions.
