The Pittsburgh Penguins placed five additional players on waivers today, including forward Radim Zohorna, whose waiving may come as a surprise to many.

Zohorna had a very solid preseason, which makes him being placed on waivers a puzzling move. With the addition of Jansen Harkins, who the Penguins claimed off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets just a few days ago, perhaps the front office believes Harkins can perform in a physical, checking role better than Zohorna.

In addition to Zohorna, the Penguins also waived forwards Colin White and Vinnie Hinostroza, as well as defenseman Mark Friedman and goaltender Magnus Hellberg.

White was very recently signed to a two-way deal with the Penguins, after coming to Pittsburgh on a professional try out late summer. He had stiff competition coming into training camp, and although he had a strong camp, left some things to be desired in the preseason. He will provide excellent depth in the AHL, should he clear, and likely will play for the Penguins at the NHL level at some point this season.

Hinostroza, signed to a one-way deal in the opening week of free agency, also finds himself on waivers. Like White, he had moments in the preseason, but it seems as though he did not make enough of an impression to warrant starting this year in the NHL.

Hinostroza played 11 games in the AHL last season, recording 9 points. Like White, he will be great depth if he makes it to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

On the blueline, Pittsburgh waived defenseman Mark Friedman, which opens the door for Ryan Shea to occupy the 7th defenseman for Pittsburgh.

If so, it will be the first NHL action for the 26 year old. Shea spent the last two seasons in the AHL for the Texas Stars, and earned himself a one year, one-way deal in free agency this year.

Lastly, goaltender Magnus Hellberg was also waived, likely headed to the AHL to assist in their tandem. Hellberg was signed to be the team’s third string goaltender after the departure of Dustin Tokarski in the offseason.

(Featured photo of Mark Friedman by Gaelen Morse/USA Today Sports)