When the Penguins inked defenseman Mark Pysyk to a PTO on August 30, there was genuine hope the 10-year NHL vet might earn a spot on the third pairing. In the process providing solid and seasoned depth behind fellow right-siders Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang.
While I hate to be pessimistic, those hopes would appear to be dashed…at least for the foreseeable future. After logging 18:31 of ice time during the Pens’ 4-3 overtime loss to Columbus on Sunday night with no apparent ill effects, the 31-year-old Alberta native was moved to the injured list Monday.