Penguins Defenseman Done In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins are losing Juuso Riikola, as the 28-year-old defenseman has signed with IK Oskarshamn of the Swedish Hockey League.

Riikola made appearances at the NHL level in each of the last four seasons. Over the last two years, however, he was utilized far lass frequently, as he dressed for just seven games. In 80 total games as a Penguin, he has three goals, 10 assists, and a plus-8 rating. 

Riikola's presence with the Wilkes-Barre Penguins will be missed, though. He put together an excellent 2021-22 with the AHL squad, as he had a goal and 34 assists in 53 games. That kind of production will be hard to replace, but with his NHL call-ups decreasing, it's understandable that he's heading overseas for bigger opportunities. 

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