Penguins Veteran Defenseman Suffers A Significant Injury

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that veteran defenseman Mark Pysyk is going to be out long-term with a significant injury.

While the injury is currently unknown this is incredibly tough news for both the Penguins and Mark Pysyk. Pysyk at 31 years of age is starting to run out of prime playing years. Hopefully, his injury is not as significant as currently feared and he can make his way back this season.

Even with the injury to Pysyk the Penguins are still in a solid spot on the back end. Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, Ryan Graves, and Pierre-Olivier Joseph give the Penguins one of the best top-four groups in the league. The depth is where things start to get sketchy with Pysyk out.

The rest of their best defensive options consist of Marcus Pettersson, Ty Smith, Chad Ruhwedel, and Will Butcher. All of these players have NHL experience but have struggled with consistency.

Pettersson has the best shot at consistent playing time heading into the season which means the final spot will be decided in a preseason battle between Ruhwedel, Butcher, and Smith.