The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL) on Saturday, a handful of hours before their home game against the Calgary Flames.
Speaking with reporters approximately two hours before the opening faceoff, coach Dan Muse indicated forward Bryan Rust, typically stationed on the right wing of the top line, is day to day due to an undisclosed injury. His absence prompted the recall of Harvey-Pinard.
Muse indicated Harvey-Pinard is not expected to skate in Saturday’s game and he was recalled as a precaution. Forward Kevin Hayes is slated to replace Rust in the lineup.
Harvey-Pinard, 27, is in his first season with the organization after signing a one-year, two-way contract that carries a salary cap hit of $775,000 in July.
This is his first recall to the NHL club this season. In 32 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Harvey-Pinard has 13 points (seven goals, six assists).
HP making some magic early ✨ pic.twitter.com/zCJcrdPMQW
— Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (@WBSPenguins) December 28, 2025
Harvey-Pinard is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s 10th-leading scorer this season. Muse was asked why a forward with more production was not summoned.
“Right now, we don’t have him in for today’s game,” Muse said. “But you have some versatility there. You’ve got a guy who’s played a number of NHL games. You can play him up and down, potentially, the lineup.”
During a 5-1 road win against the Charlotte Checkers on Friday, Harvey-Pinard opened the contest on the left wing of the top line and had no points while recording two shots.
In total, he has opened 25 games this season on the left wing and seven on the right wing.
A left-handed shot, Harvey-Pinard (5-foot-9, 179 pounds) has spent parts of the previous four seasons in the NHL, all with the Montreal Canadiens. In 84 career NHL games, he has 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists).
