Penguins Recent PTO Defenseman Out "Long Term" With Injury

The Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp has been a rollercoaster of fortunes for players on professional tryout contracts (PTOs).

Mark Pysyk, eager to resurrect his NHL career after a season-long absence due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, faced a significant setback with a new "longer-term" lower-body injury.

Mike Sullivan said it's unfortunate to see Mark Pysyk, here on a PTO, out longer-term with a lower-body injury. 'We were really looking forward to watching Mark throughout the exhibition season, getting him into some games, and seeing where he might potentially fit on our team."

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) September 26, 2023

Coach Mike Sullivan had expressed hope in Pysyk's potential contributions, but this injury casts doubt on his comeback attempt. It's a stark reminder of the uncertainty PTO players face as they aim to secure NHL contracts.

Over his 10-year career, Pysyk has scored 28 goals and 104 points over 521 games played, along with a -18 plus/minus rating.

Conversely, Colin White, unable to secure an NHL contract in a tight salary cap environment, has emerged as a bright spot in camp.

Per Mike Sullivan, Mark Pysyk will be out "longer term" due to an undisclosed injury.

A tough break for a guy on a PTO trying to comeback from missing all of 2022-23 due to an Achilles tendon injury.

— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) September 26, 2023

His versatility, size, skating ability, and impressive playoff performance with the Florida Panthers have caught the coaching staff's attention.

Despite limited openings in the bottom-six, White's strong showing may earn him a coveted spot on the roster.

As the fates of these PTO players fluctuate, their journeys underscore the unpredictable nature of pursuing an NHL contract during training camp. Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports