The Penguins recalled forwards Anthony Angello, Kasper Bjorkqvist, Drew O’Connor and defenseman P.O Joseph from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL) on Tuesday.
All four prospects will join a group informally dubbed the “Black Aces,” players who are on the NHL roster during the postseason to practice in the name of furthering their development.
Angello, 25, appeared in 19 NHL games this season and had four points (two goals, two assists). In 12 AHL games, he scored 10 points (six goals, four assists). At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, he is one of the largest players in the organization.
The 23-year-old Bjorkqvist spent most of the 2020-21 season in his native Finland playing for KooKoo of the Liiga, that country’s top league. In 44 games with KooKoo, Bjorkqvist had 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists). Rejoining Wilkes-Barre/Scranton earlier this month, Bjorkqvist had one goal in five games.
O’Connor, 22, played in 10 NHL games this season and recorded one assist. In 20 AHL games, he was third on Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in scoring this season with 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists).
Arguably the Penguins’ top prospect, Joseph, 21, appeared in 16 NHL games this season and had five points (one goal, four assists). Appearing in 23 AHL games, he had 13 points (one goal, 12 assists).
