The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a strategic move by assigning defenseman P.O Joseph to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) for conditioning purposes.
This decision comes after Joseph has been on the sidelines for the past 14 games due to an undisclosed injury.
Currently designated to long-term injured reserve, the team is taking a deliberate step to facilitate his return to full playing condition.
P.O Joseph, a left-handed shot, has primarily been deployed on the third defensive pairing for the Penguins. Unfortunately, due to his injury, he has been limited to just five games in the current season, contributing with one assist during that time. His average ice time per game has been 13 minutes and 5 seconds.
The decision to send Joseph to the AHL for conditioning suggests that the team wants him to regain his form, fitness, and confidence before reintegrating him into the NHL lineup.
Conditioning assignments in the AHL provide players with an opportunity to participate in game situations and regain their rhythm without the immediate pressure of top-tier competition.
At 24 years old, P.O Joseph is currently in the second year of a two-year contract with a salary cap hit of $825,000. This move indicates the Penguins’ commitment to the long-term development and success of Joseph, as they seek to optimize his performance and contribution to the team once he returns from his injury.
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