Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis is out of the lineup as he was taken to the hospital prior to tonight’s game against the Edmonton Oilers.
The team’s press release stated that it was a precautionary measure as Dupuis was experiencing symptoms that could be linked to his previous blood clot issues. He suffered a blood clot almost a year ago and was sidelined from November 18 through the end of the season, missing 66 regular season games and the playoffs. If the symptoms are related and he has another clot in his lungs, then it could not only mean the end of his season, but more than likely, the end of his playing career.
Dupuis had just recently worked his way back into the lineup after suffering a lower-body injury during the preseason that caused him to miss the first six games of the season. He had also suffered a season-ending knee injury back in 2013 that caused him to miss the final 43 games of the season as well as the playoffs.
There may be no connection between the leg injuries and the blood clots, however the Penguins do have experience with that in recent years. Goaltender Tomas Vokoun suffered from deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which clots form in damaged vessels in the leg and run the risk of getting caught in the heart or lungs. The condition caused Vokoun to miss an entire season and ultimately led to his retirement.
General Manager Jim Rutherford does not have any additional details at this time, but he has stated that “We’ve said all along that Pascal’s health is the highest priority. We will take every precaution necessary to ensure he is in good health.”
Photo credit: NHLI/Getty Images
