The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that defenseman Kris Letang would not be in the lineup for the Sunday night rematch against the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena.
In his place, prospect Nathan Clurman will make his NHL debut.
Clurman was recently called up from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins when Marcus Pettersson went down with an injury.
While the 26-year-old got to practice with the big club, he had yet to draw into the lineup, especially after general manager Kyle Dubas acquired Pierre-Olivier Joseph from the St. Louis Blues before Christmas.
Related: Fast Fact Friday: Get To Know Defenseman Nathan Clurman
Since the Colorado Avalanche drafted him in the sixth round (161st overall), Clurman has spent time in the NCAA, ECHL, and AHL.
Pittsburgh signed him to a one-year, two-way deal on July 1. In 18 games with the baby Penguins in the minors, he’s scored one goal and has five points.
Overall, since turning pro in 2020-21, Clurman has 27 points in 62 ECHL games and 26 points in 128 AHL games.