Sullivan: Penguins 'thrilled' with Puustinen's development

Valtteri PuustinenCRANBERRY, Pa. -- Valtteri Puustinen's first NHL recall was brief.

The Penguins initially recalled forwards Puustinen and Michael Chaput on Monday after Evgeni Malkin entered COVID protocol ahead of the team's road trip to Boston and Ottawa.

With Malkin exiting COVID protocol and rejoining the team's optional practice on Friday, and Drew O'Connor taking steps toward a return from his upper-body injury, both Puustinen and Chaput were sent back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton without appearing in any games.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Puustinen get a real shot at some point this season.

Puustinen, 22, was the Penguins' 2019 seventh-round pick, and has already proven to be a…