Pittsburgh Penguins Face Setback as Three Key Players Go Down with Injuries

This season has been a major struggle for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but at the trade deadline, they improved a fair bit, grabbing some more future assets while also bringing in a handful of new players.

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, one of those players in Thomas Novak is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury, according to Head Coach Mike Sullivan, which is a major blow to their lineup moving forward.

On top of that, Ryan Shea, whose production has increased immensely in 2024/25 into a significant role on their blue line is now considered week-to-week as he deals with an upper-body injury.

Finally, Sullivan has revealed that Pierre-Olivier Joseph is 'status quo' with the injury that he's been dealing with for quite some time, as he has been out of the lineup for their last four games, with no immediate return in sight.

As a result, the Penguins are turning to several unknown names on the national stage to fill the holes in their lineup that the trade deadline and these injuries have left, and with their Stanley Cup hopes completely dashed, it makes sense if they pivot and look towards the future for the remainder of this season.

Ultimately, this is a roster that's in flux right now, with GM Kyle Dubas needing to make up his mind on what direction this team is taking moving forward, and with these injuries and the final stretch of the season upcoming, don't be surprised to see some more changes.