The Beau Bennett era has officially begun. The 21-year old forward was called up to Pittsburgh this morning from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Bennett was the Penguins’ first round draft pick in 2010 (20th overall), which made him the highest-drafted California-born player in NHL history. He notched 7 goals and 18 assists in 35 games with the Baby Penguins and was selected as their only AHL All-Star Game representative. However, Bennett could not play because of an injury.

The 6-2, 190 pound forward played at the University of Denver for two seasons, but one was cut short due to a wrist injury. Bennett said that he came into the Penguins Developmental Camp this past summer with his wrist at 80%, but his shot still looked great for that percentage. He showed that his wrist improved at Pittsburgh’s training camp this season by performing extremely well. Bennett was sent back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton right before the NHL season began because he did not have to clear waivers like Eric Tangradi did. A roster spot opened yesterday when the Penguins demoted defenseman Dylan Reese to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and traded Tangradi to the Winnipeg Jets for a seventh-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.