The Pittsburgh Penguins have confirmed that Pascal Dupuis, Sidney Crosby’s regular right wing, will not play again this season or in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dupuis has been out most of the year after a diagnosis of a blood clot in his lung.
The following press release comes from the Pittsburgh Penguins and the National Hockey League.
Penguins say Dupuis won’t return this season
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis will not play again this season, general manager Jim Rutherford said Monday.
Dupuis has not played since being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung Nov. 19.
“Based on the doctor’s report I don’t believe we’ll see Pascal this year, and that’s a big loss,” Rutherford said. “He’s not going to be cleared to play until June.”
In eight seasons with the Penguins, Dupuis has emerged as a top-six forward and frequent linemate of captain Sidney Crosby. He’s scored 20 goals twice but injuries have limited him to 55 games since the start of the 2013-14 season.
Dupuis had 11 points in 16 games this season, his first after missing most of 2013-14 after tearing because of a knee injury and a blood clot.
“Pascal Dupuis wont play for us this season,” coach Mike Johnston confirmed. “There’s a certain timeline where he cannot have contact and then even when it gets beyond that point where he can have contact, there’s going to be a lot of discussion with the doctors.”
However, Rutherford said he’s confident that Dupuis, who will turn 36 on April 7, will be able to resume his career.
“I do feel very confident he’ll return to the team next year,” Rutherford said.
Dupuis, a 35-year-old native of Laval, Que., has 405 points in 853 career NHL games.
UNIONDALE, NY – DECEMBER 03: Pascal Dupuis #9 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on December 3, 2013 in Uniondale, New York. The Penguins defeated the Islanders 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
