Sundqvist is expected to play as a bottom-six center in a checking role Friday. "From Day 1 in Wilkes-Barre, he's been playing against other teams' top lines in a checking role," associate general manager Jason Botterill told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

EDGE Analysis

The Penguins preferred to give Sundqvist an entire season to develop with AHL Wilkes-Barre, but injuries to centers Evgeni Malkin, Eric Fehr and Nick Bonino necessitated the recall. "We do see him as a guy who can play center and wing and be a PK guy at the National Hockey League level," Botterill said. Sundqvist is expected to return to the Baby Pens as soon as Malkin gets healthy, but a strong showing could change that thinking.