Harding was a seventh-round pick, 223rd overall, of the Penguins in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old defenseman is in his third OHL season and has 55 points (7G / 48A) in 59 games with the Brampton Steelheads.
After allowing six goals on 33 shots (.818 SV%) in Sunday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blomqvist has been demoted to the Wilkes-Barre Sranton Penguins (AHL). In a corresponding move, Pittsburgh has recalled Tristan Jarry.
Jarry has been in the AHL the last month and a half but Pittsburgh is desperate for a spark in their crease after allowing four or more goals in five of their last six games (1-3-2). The 29-year-old Jarry was serviceable during his AHL stint, posting a 2.67 GAA and .908 SV% in 12 games (6-5-1). In a corresponding move, Pittsburgh has reassigned Joel Blomqvist to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (AHL).
Graves will slot in for Pierre-Olivier Joseph, who is a healthy scratch. Graves is yet to register a point in 42 games this season.
Imama had been on the IR since February 7th due to an upper-body injury but is healthy and has been activated on Thursday ahead of Pittsburgh's game vs. Philadelphia. The 28-year-old left-winger had failed to pick up a point in any of his six appearances so far this season and will likely return to his bottom-six role as a depth forward for the Penguins upon his return.
With Matthew Nieto being assigned to the minors, Emil Bemstrom will take his spot on Pittsburgh's roster and is expected to draw into the lineup on Thursday vs. Philadelphia. The 25-year-old has only appeared in two games for the Penguins so far in 2024-25 and has failed to pick up a point.
Oliver Wahlstrom will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Brazeau to re-enter the lineup. The 27-year-old Brazeau has already played a career-high 54 games this season, recording 20 points (10G / 10A) while averaging 13:04 time-on-ice.
Imama has not played since suffering the injury on February 7th. The 28-year-old forward has spent most of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL, but has played six games with Pittsburgh, recording zero points while averaging 5:28 time-on-ice.
