Top prospect Joe Morrow called up by Penguins; Letang on IR

Top prospect Joe Morrow, the Penguins 2011 first round pick, has been called up, the team announced just minutes go. Morrow in his first professional season with the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins has 2 goals and 8 assists with a minus-4 rating in 39 games. He’s a plus-5 in his last nine games.

The reasoning for the Morrow callup is unclear but he’s likely up just to have another body as Letang and Niskanen remain out. The Penguins are currently having an optional skate. Defensemen Deryk Engelland, Brooks Orpik, Dylan Reese, Robert Bortuzzo, Simon Despres and Matt Niskanen are all skating.

Letang remains off the ice due to a lower body injury and Niskanen is not yet ready to return. The Penguins have “claimed” Letang’s injury is day to day but we’ve been down that road before.

Letang has been placed on injured reserve to make room for the Morrow callup and will miss his third straight game.As of this morning, Niskanen also remains on IR and will miss his 8th straight game. We might see Niskanen back at somepoint this week.

Paul Martin is the only notable defenseman who didn’t take part in the optional skate, which isn’t out of the norm for him.

Forwards skating this morning included Joe Vitale, Dustin Jeffrey, Brandon Sutter, Eric Tangradi, Tyler Kennedy, Zach Boychuk and Tanner Glass.

Both goaltenders participated in the skate. The goaltending matchup tonight is expected to be Johan Hedberg vs Tomas Vokoun. Vokoun is looking to make his first home start in a Penguin uniform.

Morrow who has a terrific skill set, has had some growing pains in the AHL, especially on the defensive end but his play has been on the uptick in the past three to four weeks.

To Recap: Morrow called up; Letang and Niskanen to remain out

POST UPDATED AT 11:00 A.M.