Penguins' Daniel Sprong: Junior season debut on tap following Christmas break

Sprong (shoulder) will rejoin Charlottetown of the QMJHL following the holiday break, which ends Dec. 28, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "We just felt at this particular time, it's in his best interests to go back to his junior club and play there," coach Mike Sullivan noted.

There was talk he could join Pittsburgh but the team's forwards are healthy. Sprong, who has been out since undergoing shoulder surgery in June, will see plenty of playing time with Charlottetown. "He's had an extended period of time here where he hasn't played, and it's really important for young players, we feel, to play significant minutes and continue to grow and develop their game," Sullivan said. The 19-year-old will be eligible to play in the AHL when his junior season ends.