Penguins Update Erik Karlsson Injury Status

CRANBERRY, Twp — Erik Karlsson was injured just before training camp began. At first, coach Mike Sullivan indicated Karlsson’s absence was mostly a precaution.

However, into the second full week of training camp, Karlsson is still listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Sullivan addressed his status Thursday.

“(There’s) no real clarity. I think our medical team (and) strength guys are working together to get Erik in a position where they’re comfortable putting him on the ice, so when he gets onto the ice, he can literally hit the ice running, so to speak,” Sullivan said. “I think at this time of year, it’s prudent on our behalf to err on the side of caution and and make sure that Erik is in the right place when we get them out there.”

Last season, Karlsson was the prized acquisition on the NHL trade market following a 100-point season and winning the Norris Trophy with the San Jose Sharks. Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas was able to swing the deal, and hopes of a return to being a Stanley Cup contender soared. However, Karlsson’s first season with the Penguins was marred by near-historic ineptitude on the power play and a second consecutive playoff miss.

In June, the Penguins named former San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn as their new assistant coach under Sullivan. Quinn was San Jose’s coach when Karlsson won the Norris Trophy and will lead the Penguins’ power play.

However, the team has not yet been able to ice what would presumably be their top power-play unit because of Karlsson’s absence. Kris Letang has taken the point on PP1, while defenseman Matt Grzelcyck has been at the helm of PP2. In the meantime, the team is being patient.

“He’s clearly skating. It’s just a matter of those day-to-day decisions on when it makes sense to put him on the ice and when it makes sense to keep him off the ice,” said Sullivan. “So, we’ll go through that process as we go (forward).”

Last season, Karlsson registered 56 points with 11 goals while playing all 82 games. Yet the power play converted just 15.2% of its chances, as well being tied with the Montreal Canadiens by yielding a league-worst 12 shorthanded goals.

Sullivan stepped around questions about Karlsson’s availability for the regular season

“I’m confident that that he’s going to make progress here. And so right now, his status is day-to-day,” said Sullivan. “Our group is working with him, and progress is being made. So I’m confident that we’ll have success.”

The Penguins’ first game is Oct. 9 at home against the New York Rangers, and they play the following day against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.