Egor Zamula’s Suspension with the Pittsburgh Penguins
Egor Zamula, a former defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, finds himself in an unexpected predicament with the Pittsburgh Penguins before even taking the ice for the team. As recorded in the AHL transactions log on Saturday, Zamula, who is only 25 years old, has been suspended by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins due to his failure to report to the club since his trade from Philadelphia that took place on December 31. This marks a notable and troubling start to his tenure with the Penguins, as he has yet to play a game for them.
Reasons Behind the Suspension
Reports from NHL insiders, such as Frank Seravalli, indicate that the suspension stems from Zamula’s refusal to join the team. Shortly after he was assigned to the AHL, Zamula switched agents, now being represented by Dan Milstein of Gold Star Hockey. This change seems to reflect his desire for a better opportunity in the NHL, which he presumably believed would be more accessible with the Penguins. However, it still appears that the organization is not yet offering him a chance to showcase his talents, leading to the current stalemate.
Previous Challenges with the Flyers
Previously, the Flyers’ management faced challenges with Zamula, who was benched just two games into the season due to performance issues. There were discussions within his camp about possibly terminating his contract with Philadelphia, suggesting a mutual agreement that would allow both parties to move forward. However, the Flyers opted to trade him instead, receiving Phil Tomasino in return—something that Zamula and his new agent may not view positively, given the current circumstances.
Related Incidents and Future Outlook
In a related incident from earlier this season, another Penguins prospect, Emil Pieniniemi, faced suspension for refusing to report to the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, although that suspension has since been lifted. Zamula remains under contract with the Penguins, with a cap hit of $1.7 million; he is slated to be a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
