Penguins Reassign Defenseman Daniel Laatsch to Wheeling
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are making a move on the blue line. Defenseman Daniel Laatsch has been reassigned to the Wheeling Nailers by the Pittsburgh Penguins, giving the 23-year-old another opportunity to log meaningful minutes and continue his development in the ECHL.
Laatsch, a towering presence on the back end, appeared in four games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, picking up two assists during that stretch. He previously suited up for Wheeling in October, where he made an immediate impact with four assists in just three games. It’s a small sample size, but it’s clear the offensive instincts are there - especially when given the chance to play big minutes and contribute in all situations.
Drafted in the seventh round (215th overall) by Pittsburgh in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Laatsch has taken the long road through the development pipeline. He played four seasons at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a steady, stay-at-home presence on the blue line. In 126 collegiate games, he totaled 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists), showing flashes of offensive upside while anchoring the Badgers' defense with his 6-foot-5 frame and strong positional play.
The Altoona, Wisconsin native signed a two-year, entry-level deal with Pittsburgh back on March 10, 2025. That contract signaled a commitment from the organization to continue investing in his growth, and this reassignment is part of that process - getting Laatsch back into a rhythm with more ice time in Wheeling, where he’s already shown he can thrive.
For Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the focus now shifts to their next matchup: a Friday night showdown with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. It’s shaping up to be a fan-friendly night at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, with $2 beers from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and postgame autographs presented by Northeast Music Center. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.
As the Penguins continue to fine-tune their roster and develop young talent like Laatsch, fans can stay locked in with every game streamed live on AHLTV through FloHockey - a platform that offers full access to all 32 AHL teams, plus thousands of games from other pro and junior leagues.
For those looking to get closer to the action, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is offering a range of ticket packages for the 2025-26 season - from full-season plans to flexible options tailored to every fan’s schedule. Individual game tickets are also available through Ticketmaster, the Mohegan Arena box office, or by contacting the Penguins directly.
With Laatsch heading back to Wheeling and the Penguins gearing up for a divisional clash, it’s another reminder that in the AHL, development and competition go hand in hand - and every roster move is part of the bigger picture.