The Pittsburgh Penguins added a new face Friday afternoon in the hopes of revitalizing a group of bottom-six forwards that has lacked offensive production so far, as winger Radim Zohorna was recalled from Wilkes-Barre Scranton of the American Hockey League.
Zohorna, 27, played in four preseason games for the Penguins, posting a goal and three assists on 10 shots before ultimately being assigned to the AHL on Oct. 9.
“I thought he had a real solid camp,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “Every year, when he comes back, he’s stronger, his fitness level improves, he’s more comfortable in his surroundings. He’s played a number of games for us, his confidence level increases and I think he realizes that he can play in this league and he can be an effective player.”
In two games with the AHL Penguins this season, Zohorna did not record a point.
The 6-foot-6 native of Havlickuv, Czechia, was undrafted and originally signed by the Penguins as a free agent in the spring of 2020.
In parts of two seasons with the Penguins from 2020-22, Zohorna appeared in 25 games, scoring four goals with six assists.
Zohorna was eventually placed on waivers in October of 2022 and was claimed by Calgary, where he played eight games over the ensuing NHL campaign.
This past March, Zohorna was traded from Calgary to Toronto.
President of hockey operations Kyle Dubas eventually signed him to a one-year deal worth $775,000 annually over the summer, reuniting him with his first NHL club.
