For a skilled, post-college winger in an NHL organization, “the call” is not always as far away as it might seem.
Injuries happen, and years of seasoning in the NCAA can make such players attractive short-term call-ups when the unexpected strikes. Penguins wingers Bryan Rust and Conor Sheary are prime examples. Both earned call-ups in their first season with the club and now have places on the NHL roster.
So for a player like Thomas Di Pauli, who played the first year of his entry-level deal with the Penguins last season, the blueprint was there. Perform in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and you might not have to wait long for a chance in Pittsburgh.