Erik Karlsson’s continued absence from Pittsburgh Penguins training camp due to an upper-body injury raises questions about his availability for the season opener, as coach Mike Sullivan remains cautiously optimistic.
BollywoodFever: Pittsburgh Penguins star defenseman Erik Karlsson, the team’s most significant offseason acquisition, has yet to hit the ice during training camp due to an upper-body injury.
Initially, coach Mike Sullivan downplayed the situation, describing it as precautionary. However, with the Penguins now into their second week of camp and Karlsson still sidelined day-to-day, concern is growing in Pittsburgh.
“There’s no real clarity,” Sullivan admitted on Thursday, per Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now. “We’re just trying to get Erik in the best position possible so that when he’s on the ice, he’s ready to go.”
Karlsson, who had a standout 100-point season and won the Norris Trophy with the San Jose Sharks before being traded to the Penguins, is expected to be a crucial player this season, particularly on the power play.
While Karlsson has been skating, Sullivan remains cautious, stating, “It’s just a matter of those day-to-day decisions on when it makes sense to put him on the ice.”
The star defenseman’s availability for the season opener on October 9 remains in question, although Sullivan expressed optimism that Karlsson would be ready in time. “We don’t want to rush anything,” Sullivan emphasized, adding, “Progress is being made.”
Karlsson’s absence is significant, especially with the Penguins relying on him to revive their power play, which only converted 15.2% of its chances last season.
His chemistry with veteran stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang will be critical for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes, though the lack of practice time together could pose a challenge as the season approaches.
Despite Sullivan’s optimism, Karlsson’s continued absence from key training camp sessions and preseason games is becoming a growing concern for the Penguins, now that Crosby has secured his contract extension.
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