The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Nick Drazenovic (DRUH-zehn-oh-vihk) from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL), it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Drazenovic, 27, currently places fifth on WBS with 20 points (7G-13A) in 26 games this season.

Last season the 6-foot, 192-pound Drazenovic split the campaign between the Columbus Blue Jackets and their top minor-league affiliate, the Springfield Falcons of the AHL. Drazenovic competed in eight NHL games with Columbus.

Drazenovic spent the majority of the ’12-13 season with Springfield, establishing career highs in assists (36) and points (53) in 62 regular-season games. His 53 points ranked second on the team and 17th in the AHL. He added four points (2G-2A) in eight postseason games.

A native of Prince George, British Columbia, Drazenovic was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round (171st overall) of the 2005 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Blues during the 2010-11 season, playing three games. Drazenovic has played a total of 11 career NHL regular-season games with St. Louis and Columbus.

Drazenovic has played seven seasons at the AHL level with Springfield, Peoria and WBS, totaling 274 points (107G-167A) in 407 career regular-season games. He has six points (3G-3A) in 17 career postseason games.

Prior to turning pro Drazenovic played five seasons with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 2002-07, registering 77 goals, 137 assists and 214 points in 281 regular-season games.

Forward Joe Vitale has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 10.