Penguins pull sneaky move in between the pipes!

The Pittsburgh Penguins surprised many after practice on Friday when they recalled goalie Casey DeSmith to make the trip to Montreal.

The Pens will face the Canadiens on Saturday night and most fans expected Tristan Jarry, who has been phenomenal for the team, to make the trip. However, head coach Mike Sullivan revealed after the skate that DeSmith will be the backup goalie to Matt Murray in Montreal while Jarry stays behind in Pittsburgh to rest and get ready for the matchup against the visiting Florida Panthers.

It allows Jarry to rest up and get ready for the second game of a busy weekend for the Penguins.

Per Mike Sullivan, the Penguins will recall Casey DeSmith to serve as the backup to Matt Murray in Montreal on Saturday.

That will allow Tristan Jarry to remain in Pittsburgh and rest up for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Thomas Di Pauli will also be recalled.
— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) January 3, 2020

However, some pundits were quick to wonder how the Penguins could get DeSmith without running him through waivers.

Team insider Seth Rorabaugh of the Tribune turned to the NHL convention to explain that it would only need to happen if he stays for 10 games or 30 days on the NHL roster.

For those asking, the Penguins won't need to run Casey DeSmith through waivers unless he stays for 10 games or 30 days on the NHL roster. Each of those is very unlikely.

This blob of legalese from the NHL-NHLPA CBA explains it: pic.twitter.com/xQJ8OHoEcM
— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) January 3, 2020

The Penguins might have another plan in mind in given some playing time to DeSmith. The goalie has been mentioned more than once in trade circles and could be shopped ahead of the deadline.

The goalie market is getting hot, and as we know, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking for a backup solution in between the pipes as they enter the playoff race.

To be continued…