Penguins forward to miss multiple months after undergoing surgery
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Friday that forward Jake Guentzel will be out a minimum of 12 weeks after undergoing surgery for an injury to his right ankle.
"As Jake continued to increase the intensity of his preparation for the upcoming season, it was apparent that his ankle injury was not resolving in a way that was satisfactory to he or the Penguins. In collaboration with Jake - his representative Ben Hankinson of Octagon Sports, the Penguins medical team led by Dr. Dharmesh Vyas of UPMC Sports Medicine, and Dr. Coetzee � it was decided that surgery would be the best way to ensure Jake would be at his best in 2023.2024." Penguins GM and President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas said.
Guentzel, 28, had another strong season in 2022-23 and was nearly a point-per-game player. In 78 games, the Omaha native put up 73 points (36 goals, 37 assists), 46 penalty minutes and was a plus-two in 78 games.
With Guentzel not being re-evaluated until early-November, there's a very good chance that his $6 million cap hit will be placed on long-term injured reserve, which would create plenty of space for Kyle Dubas. The Penguins have been linked to Erik Karlsson and there could be some clarity on that front this weekend, so if they can get the Sharks to retain some salary on the Swedish defenceman, Pittsburgh can make it work.
| POLL | ||
Will the Penguins return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024? | ||
| Yes | 14 | 28.6 % |
| No | 27 | 55.1 % |
| Not Sure | 5 | 10.2 % |
| See Results | 3 | 6.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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