Penguins Shut Down Erik Karlsson, Season Start in Doubt

Star defenseman Erik Karlsson has not participated in training camp yet for the Pittsburgh Penguins on account of an upper-body injury. But he did seem to be making progress as he was on the ice on his own last week. Now, however, that's off, as he's been shut down, per se, for the weekend, and into next week. His status for opening night is certainly in doubt.

Mike Sullivan on Erik Karlsson, who has yet to skate with the team during camp due to an upper-body injury:

“He’s scheduled to be off the ice this weekend and then we’ll go from there. That’s just part of the rehab process and where he’s at right now.”
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) September 28, 2024

Head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters that this was "part of the rehab process," but the progression of things for the three-time Norris Trophy winner has to be considered concerning, as it appears to be going in the wrong direction.

He started off camp as "day-to-day", then he was held out of practice sessions for what we were told were "precautionary reasons," but he was able to skate on his own.

He then, however, missed five straight days of those individual skating sessions, and now he's been declared out until they reassess later in the week.

“I think at this time of year," said Sullivan, "it’s prudent on our behalf to err on the side of caution.”

As noted by Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "there is growing concern the former All-Star defenseman — initially labeled as “day to day” — will not be in the lineup when the Penguins open the regular season Oct. 9."

Karlsson recorded 11 goals and 56 points over 82 games last season with a plus/minus rating of +4.

Jack St. Ivany has moved up to the top-four to play alongside Marcus Pettersson for the time being during preseason.