Were The Penguins Trying To Get Rid Of 2 Young Players Through Waivers?

The Pittsburgh Penguins surprised a lot and made many confused and not happy when Ty Smith was sent through waivers a couple days ago. He, along with Rem Pitlick, were cut from the training camp roster and had to pass through waivers sooner than many and sooner than expected.

Now, just a couple days later, the team called up three players including Smith, Pitlick, and Avery Hayes. This is an interesting situation. Maybe there weren't any takers on the trade market for Smith or the newly acquired Pitlick, but I also believe that both could have made the team this season. Sure, the Penguins aren't just going to keep a young player for the sake of not losing him if they are trying to win, but Smith and Pitlick have performed in the NHL already in their careers and there is space for both of them.

Smith was acquired by the Penguins in the John Marino trade last offseason and only got into nine NHL games, scoring a goal and four points. The 23-year-old former first round pick has eight goals and 47 points in 123 career games. That is good for a defenseman as young as he is with limited opportunity.

I or fans are not as worried about Pitlick, but it is interesting that they would be placed on waivers just to be recalled soon after. That sort of thing usually happens with older players the team is trying to get rid of. They give every team a shot to claim the player, and he usually goes unclaimed. Last season the Penguins placed Kasperi Kapanen on waivers later in the season and he was actually picked up by the St. Louis Blues. It will be interesting to see where things go from here with Smith and Pitlick in Pittsburgh.