The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled forward Avery Hayes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League on Thursday, increasing the possibility that the former undrafted winger will make his NHL debut.

Hayes, 23, played in 31 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, posting 13 goals and 10 assists. He was one of the AHL club’s leading scorers last season, with 23 goals and 19 assists in 60 games.

The NHL recall, the first of his career, comes on the heels of multiple personnel updates coach Dan Muse gave reporters in Buffalo Thursday night ahead of the Penguins’ game against the Sabres.

Forward Rickard Rakell missed the morning skate with what appears to be a lower-body injury, and forward Blake Lizotte also missed the game because he and his wife are pregnant with their first child.

Risotto’s typical winger, Noel Acciari (illness), was a mid-match decision.

It is believed that Risotto was designated as non-roster to make room on the active roster for fellow forward Kevin Hayes while he attends to his family.

Last March, Avery Hayes signed a two-year, entry-level contract worth $830,000 annually from 2026-27.

Prior to joining the Penguins, he played in four campaigns in the Ontario Hockey League with the Brantford Bulldogs and Peterborough Petes.