Penguins Goalie Joel Blomqvist Injury Update Revealed - Worse Than Expected

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without the services of goaltender Joel Blomqvist for the immediate future. The team just announced that the 23-year-old goaltender will miss a minimum of four weeks or possibly longer with a lower-body injury.

Blomqvist stopped all 11 shots he faced in the team's preseason-opening shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night, and showed no signs at the time that he was dealing with anything.

The injury bug continues to bite the Penguins, who have already lost forwards Kevin Hayes and Rutger McGroarty for the beginning of the season.

It's especially tough news for Blomqvist, as the 23-year-old has been viewed as the organization's top goalie prospect for the last couple of years and was hoping to take over the starting position this season.

A native of Uusikaarlepyy, Finland, Blomqvist was originally selected with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft during the COVID-riddled season.

He made his NHL debut last October, and in 15 games with Pittsburgh last season, Blomqvist finished with a 4-9-1 record, a 3.81 goals against average, and a save percentage of .885.

The Penguins continue their preseason on Friday night at home when they face off against the Detroit Red Wings.

Following that game, they will face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night in what is expected to be a very memorable night when Marc-Andre Fleury suits up one final time with the Penguins in an NHL game.

The team's regular season opens up on Oct. 7 with a visit to the New York Rangers.