Apr 28, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) moves the puck defended by San Jose Sharks left wing Matthew Nieto (83) during the second period in game six of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

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Penguins Recall Matthew Nieto on Emergency Basis Amid Injury Concerns

Pittsburgh brings up veteran forward Matthew Nieto under emergency conditions as they deal with roster shortages ahead of a crucial stretch.

With injuries taking a toll on their roster, the Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Matthew Nieto from the minor leagues under emergency conditions. As the season nears its end, the team is struggling with several key absences, including forwards Tommy Novak, Philip Tomasino, and Bokondji Imama, along with defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph. In response, the Penguins are bringing back Nieto, who will add depth to the lineup for the crucial final stretch of their season.

Nieto’s 2023-24 campaign didn’t start as planned, as he had to recover from two knee surgeries that sidelined him for the first month of action. After easing back into competitive play with a brief stint in the AHL, he was called up to the NHL in mid-November. For a while, he remained a fixture on the Penguins’ roster, slotting in as an extra forward. However, despite appearing in 31 games before the 4-Nations Face-Off Break, his offensive production was minimal, just three points. With that level of output, Pittsburgh placed him on waivers in late February and reassigned him to the AHL, a move that ultimately turned into a silver lining for the veteran winger.

Penguins Recall Matthew Nieto Under Emergency Conditionshttps://t.co/lCC4E8eupg
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) April 8, 2025

Since returning to the minors, Nieto has rediscovered some of his scoring touch. Over 15 AHL games, he has tallied three goals and seven points, proving he can still contribute offensively when given the right opportunity. While his NHL numbers this season have been underwhelming, his recent performances in the AHL suggest that he could be a valuable depth piece as the Penguins push through their final four games. Given the injuries plaguing their lineup, he may have another chance to prove himself on the NHL stage.

For Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Nieto is expected to start as the team’s extra forward. However, there’s a chance he could be inserted into the lineup if Pittsburgh opts to shake things up. Players like Joona Koppanen, who has only one goal in seven games, or Connor Dewar, who has recorded just a single point in his last seven, could be candidates to sit in favor of Nieto. With the Penguins battling for every point down the stretch, they’ll be looking for any spark they can get, and Nieto’s experience and versatility might just provide the boost they need.

Image Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Nieto

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Pittsburgh Penguins

Anamika Shrivastava

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