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Penguins Defenseman Clears Waivers

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Penguins
By Nick Horwat | Last updated 12/19/23

After 24 hours on the waiver wire, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Shea has cleared and can now be sent to the American Hockey League.

While that is an option, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Penguins will send Shea to the minors right away.

Jaccob Bryson (BUF), Ryan Shea (PIT) and Lucas Johansen (WSH) clear waivers.

No one new exposed to the waiver wire ahead of the NHL's holiday roster freeze.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 19, 2023

The move is likely considering multiple depth defenseman have recently returned to the lineup, but it might not happen right away.

At bare minimum, the Penguins now have 30 days where they can send Shea back and forth between the AHL and NHL as much as they please.

This isn’t a new practice from the Penguins, either as Vinnie Hinostroza was recently placed on waivers, but was never sent down and played against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hinostroza was a healthy scratch the following game against the Minnesota Wild.

If Shea and/or Hinostroza are heading to the AHL, they will likely be moved before the day is out since the NHL is about to enter the holiday roster freeze.

The 'NHL Holiday Roster Freeze' goes into effect across the league tonight at 11:59pm local time, and runs until December 28 at 12:01am local time.

What does that mean? Below is a breakdown of all the key points you'll need to remember. https://t.co/3B8UOBLIyt pic.twitter.com/oBJKMMKJI4
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) December 19, 2023