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Penguins' Juuso Riikola: Inks one-year deal

Riikola's deal is one-way in nature, which means that the Penguins would have to risk putting the youngster on waivers in order to send him down to the minors. With the team also signing Chad Ruhwedel to a new contract, it currently has eight blueliners under contract for the 2019-20 campaign, which could be an indication that somebody will get moved via trade, with Jack Johnson perhaps the most likely candidate.

Penguins' Juuso Riikola: Sent to bus league

Riikola has been a healthy scratch for nine consecutive contests, so this move doesn't come as a surprise. The 25-year-old rookie will likely be tasked with taking on top-pairing minutes with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

Penguins' Juuso Riikola: Scratched Tuesday

Riikola was bumped from the lineup following the return of Brian Dumoulin (concussion). While the 24-year-old Riikola could still earn some ice time over Zach Trotman over the next few games, once Kris Letang (upper body) is given the all-clear, both guys figure to serve as depth reserve options and will be watching from the press box more often than not.

Penguins' Juuso Riikola: Holding down lineup spot

Riikola continues to get minutes over Chad Ruhwedel, who hasn't appeared in a game since mid-November. The 24-year-old Riikola was likely facing relegation to the press box due to the impending return of Justin Schultz (lower leg), but an injury to Olli Maatta (shoulder) figures to keep him in the lineup.

Penguins' Juuso Riikola: Tallies second goal

The 25-year-old scored from the point, recording his second goal in six games. He's come close to scoring a lot more than two goals, but through 24 games, Riikola has two goals and three points. He's most valuable in the hits category -- where Riikola has 54 in 24 contests -- but for the most part, the Finnish defenseman can be left safely on the waiver wire.