The Penguins are in Winnipeg to take on a heavy Jets team, so Gaunce has been recalled and could draw in on the third pair. The 6-foot-1, 203 lbs. defenseman has two assists in six games with Pittsburgh this season.

Gaunce had one goal in six games with the Canucks during his call-up, but now he returns to Utica, where he has 33 points (15G / 18A) in 43 games this season.

Gaunce, 21, was the Canucks first round pick (26th overall) in 2012. The 6-foot-2, 205 lbs. winger will make his NHL debut on Thursday after scoring one goal with one assist in five games with Utica prior to his call-up. He will skate on the fourth line with Jared McCann and Derek Dorsett.

Gaunce, 21, had one goal and one assist in five games with Utica this season. With Brandon Prust out for at least the next two games, Gaunce has been recalled and could make his NHL debut on the road-trip.

Gaunce, 24, was a second round pick (50th overall) in the 2008 NHL Draft. He has registered one goal and two assists in 29 games with Texas this season. He has just one goal and 23 PIMS in 20 career NHL games.

Gaunce, 23, has skated the last three seasons for the Lake Erie Monsters, Colorado’s development affiliate in the AHL. As a member of the Monsters, the 6-foot-1, 203-pound defenseman has posted 60 points (9G-51A), 272 penalty minutes and a plus-22 rating in 197 games.