Penguins give Chase Pietila his first NHL call-up
Pittsburgh rewarded the defenceman’s training camp and start with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton by bringing him to the NHL.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled Chase Pietila from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for his first opportunity in the NHL. Rutger McGroarty was also recalled Thursday, the club said.
Pietila learned of the promotion after an AHL practice when coach Kirk MacDonald called him over. MacDonald initially joked that Pietila had been traded before telling the defenceman he was going to Pittsburgh. Pietila described the call-up as "a dream come true."
Penguins coach Dan Muse said Pietila had earned the opportunity through his performance at training camp and his start with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Muse felt he had deserved more playing time in the exhibition games.
Pittsburgh selected Pietila 111th overall in the 2024 draft. He played two seasons at Michigan Tech before signing with the Penguins organization. Pietila credited his summer work with the training staff, added weight and improvements in smaller skills for helping him reach this point.
The recall gives Pietila a chance to take the next step, but he has yet to make his NHL debut.
