Erik Karlsson injury: Penguins HC Mike Sullivan addresses $92M star's availability 

By Evan Bell

Modified Sep 26, 2024 19:14 GMT

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan shared an update on Erik Karlsson ahead of the team's third preseason game on Saturday, where they're set to face the Detroit Red Wings. After Karlsson, who is on an eight-year, $92 million contract, suffered an injury before training camp, Sullivan indicated that his inactivity during training camp was precautionary.

Despite that, after two preseason games, questions remain about Karlsson's status as the start of the 2024-25 NHL season nears. The veteran defenseman is listed day-to-day, with little clarity on when he will return to action.

On Thursday, while speaking to media members, Sullivan shared an update on Erik Karlsson's status, indicating that the team is working to get the three-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner back on the ice.

“(There’s) no real clarity," Sullivan said via Pittsburgh Hockey Now. "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.

"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.”

How are Penguins adapting in the absence of Erik Karlsson?

While Erik Karlsson hasn't managed to participate in training camp and hasn't yet taken the ice during the team's first few preseason games, the team is still confident that he will return to the ice before the start of the season.

If he's unable to start the season, the expectation is that Sebastian Aho will likely be bumped up from the third line to the second line to play alongside Ryan Graves.

Throughout the team's first two preseason games, Mike Sullivan has been having Aho play alongside Graves on the team's second line, which gives the two time to get used to playing alongside one another.

Following their first two preseason games, the team will be back in action on Saturday for a road game against the Detroit Red Wings in the first leg of a back-to-back that will see them play the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.

The Penguins will have three more preseason games before the start of the regular season on Oct. 9, when they face the New York Rangers in their home opener.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, it's no secret that the Penguins are in win-now mode and hope to capitalize on the two-year extension signed by Sidney Crosby this summer.