Report: Penguins Call Up Defenseman

The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to break out of their uncharacteristic slump, but will have to do so without the help of long-serving and number one defenseman Kris Letang, who was placed on the injured reserve two days ago after he collided with Detroit Red Wings' Thomas Vanek on Monday. 

The team had immediately proceeded to call up forward Jake Guentzel and blue-liner Chad Ruhwedel from their Wilkes-Barre/Scranton AHL affiliate with the hopes that they would add depth to the current Stanley Cup champions' roster. Guentzel leads the American Hockey League with 21 goals, while Ruhwedel appeared in five games with the Penguins this season and posted two points. 

Late last night, the organization opted to make a few more notable changes to its lineup by reassigning David Warsofsky to the "Baby Penguins" and recalling another defenseman in Cameron Gaunce to help bolster the blue line. 

Ahead of the Pens' high-flying matchup against a Montreal Canadiens team decimated with injuries, Gaunce should find himself inserted into the lineup, although this has yet to be officially confirmed by head coach Mike Sullivan. 

Gauce, 26, is playing in his first year with the Penguins' organization after having spent a few seasons with the Dallas Stars. The defenseman has two goals and eight points in 39 games played, while boasting a plus-6 rating in the AHL.