The Pittsburgh Penguins have loaded up for a deep run in 2023-24, and while the age of their roster is somewhat of a concern, another is their injury issues, especially to forward Jake Guentzel.
Over the past four years, the Penguins star forward has missed 89 games, and this off-season, he's been dealing with an ankle injury that was projected to keep him out for the start of the season.
Fortunately, the team got a very positive update today, as the team have confirmed he will be absent for just the teams first five games, with a healthy return expected.
Over the course of his seven year career, Guentzel has been as consistent as anyone in the NHL, posting 414 points in 453 career games, and now, the pressure is on for another Stanley Cup run.
Alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Reilly Smith and a talented defensive group, this team is expected to make plenty of noise in a stacked Eastern Conference, and if Guentzel is healthy, it adds another layer to this talented team.