Riikola was promoted to Pittsburgh's taxi squad Tuesday.
Riikola has logged five games for the Pens this season in which he has tallied one assist, seven shots and 13 hits. With both Mike Matheson and John Marino in the league's COVID-19 protocols, Riikola figures to have the inside track to step into the lineup against Ottawa on Friday, though he will need to be added to the active roster first.