Penguins’ Nylander, 2 Others Clear Waivers, Assigned to WBS

Alex Nylander, one of three forwards put on waivers Thursday by the Pittsburgh Penguins, cleared without being claimed by another team on Friday.

Andreas Johnsson and Joonas Koppanen also cleared without being claimed.

All three were immediately assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League as the Penguins push toward their final roster.

Nylander, 26, re-signed with the Penguins after appearing in nine games with them last season, netting a goal and an assist. He had 25 goals, 50 points in 55 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

In a highly competitive environment in Penguins training camp, Nylander did not force his way onto the opening-night roster. The Penguins start the regular season Tuesday when the Chicago Blackhawks visit.

In three preseason games this month, he had one goal. He was given an opportunity to slot in at different spots, including in the top six alongside Evgeni Malkin.

A first-round draft pick by Buffalo in 2016, Nylander has not been able to establish himself in the NHL despite that pedigree.