Valtteri Puustinen #48 of the Pittsburgh Penguins
The future of Pittsburgh Penguins winger Valtteri Puustinen is hanging in the balance after a decision that could shape his NHL career. On Tuesday afternoon, the Penguins placed the 25-year-old on waivers, leaving his status with the team in serious doubt. If not claimed by another NHL team by Wednesday’s 2 p.m. deadline, Puustinen will likely be sent down to the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, a situation that marks a significant step back after a season that began with promise.
Puustinen, a native of Kuopio, Finland, has been struggling to solidify his role in Pittsburgh’s lineup. Despite flashes of potential in the 2023-24 season — where he posted career-highs with five goals and 15 assists in 52 games — the forward has not been able to carry that momentum into the current campaign. This season, Puustinen has played in just 10 games, recording one goal and one assist, but his ice time has decreased, with an average of just 9 minutes and 53 seconds per game — nearly two minutes fewer than last year.
Coach Mike Sullivan recently addressed what Puustinen could do to better distinguish himself and remain a fixture in the Penguins’ lineup. Sullivan emphasized the need for Puustinen to “make an impact,” particularly on the offensive side of the game. “When he’s at his best, he’s conscientious defensively but he makes an impact on the offensive side. He makes plays when they’re there,” Sullivan said. “He has the ability to distribute the puck and he can shoot.” However, with his recent struggles and limited opportunities, Puustinen has yet to prove that he can consistently use his skills to make a lasting impression.
Puustinen has been a healthy scratch in 13 of Pittsburgh’s 23 games this season, a testament to his lack of consistency. Despite having the potential to be an offensive asset with his speed, quickness, and anticipation, he has failed to carve out a regular role in the lineup. The Penguins’ decision to place him on waivers suggests that they are willing to give another team a chance to develop his talents, while also considering other options for their forward group.
If Puustinen clears waivers, he’ll have the opportunity to continue his development in the AHL, where he has been a productive player in his career to date. In 169 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Puustinen has scored 49 goals and added 65 assists. This could provide a valuable chance for him to refine his game and perhaps earn another shot at the NHL in the future.
Signed through the 2025-26 season with a modest $775,000 salary cap hit, Puustinen is still under team control for the next few years. However, with the Penguins needing to make tough decisions to bolster their current roster, his time in Pittsburgh could be coming to an end unless he can show more consistency and make an impact when called upon.
As the Penguins head into the final stretch of the week, Puustinen’s fate is uncertain. Will another NHL team take a chance on his upside, or will the Finnish forward find himself back in the AHL looking for another opportunity? Regardless of what happens next, Puustinen will need to take significant steps to fulfill the potential that has so far only been glimpsed in brief moments.
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