PENSBURGH: After waiving Sebastian Aho, Penguins waive veteran winger as more decision looms

The Pittsburgh Penguins reduced their roster by two on Sunday, placing defenseman Sebastian Aho and minor league enforcer on waivers. While Imama wasn’t expected to make the NHL roster, Aho was actively competing for a spot on the Penguins’ blue line.

Despite the cuts, the Penguins still exceed the 23-player limit, meaning more roster moves are expected. Two potential changes could involve placing goalie Alex Nedeljkovic and forward Blake Lizotte on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Lizotte is sidelined with a concussion after being hit by a puck while on the bench during a preseason game against the Ottawa Senators, while Nedeljkovic is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Additionally, Matt Nieto is likely to be placed on LTIR. Currently, the Penguins have 26 players on the roster, including 16 forwards.

Nedeljkovic left last Monday’s preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period, appearing to suffer a midsection injury.

The Penguins could also send prospect Rutger McGroarty down to the WBS Penguins without issue. If GM Kyle Dubas intended to send down players like Valtteri Puustinen, Cody Glass, or Jesse Puljujarvi, they would have already been placed on waivers in time to clear before Monday’s 5 p.m. roster deadline.