The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward Vinnie Hinostroza on waivers Friday afternoon.
Should he go unclaimed and clear by 2 p.m. Saturday, the team can assign him to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.
A right-handed shot, Hinostroza has been used in a variety of roles this season, including on both power play units.
In 12 NHL games this campaign, Hinostroza has scored three points (one goal, two assists) while averaging 10:03 of ice time per contest.
With Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Hinostroza has played in five games and has posted four points (two goals, two assists).
Capable of playing either wing, Hinostroza is signed to a one-year contract worth $775,000.
This transaction comes as forward Rickard Rakell appears close to potentially returning to the lineup.
Sidelined for the past 11 games due to an undisclosed injury, Rakell is currently designated to long-term injured reserve and is eligible to rejoin the active roster on Saturday.
Note: The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and defenseman Libor Hajek mutually agreed to terminate his AHL contract to allow him to return to his native Czechia. In 11 AHL games, Hajek had no points. Attending the Pittsburgh Penguins’ training camp on a professional tryout contract (PTO), Hajek appeared in three preseason games and recorded one point.
