Penguins F Bjugstad has surgery, out for planned playoffs

Field Level Media
28 May 2020, 02:25 GMT+10

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Nick Bjugstad had surgery to repair a herniated disc on Tuesday and is out for the planned NHL playoffs.

In a news release, the team said the surgery was successful and that Bjugstad would be sidelined for at least eight weeks.

Bjugstad missed the Penguins' final game before the season was halted due to the coronavirus, a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on March 10. He sat out that game with what was called a lower-body injury.

The 2019-20 season was a disappointing one for Bjustad, 27, who was limited to just 13 games because of injuries. He had core muscle surgery in November.

General manager Jim Rutherford announced the surgery on Wednesday, saying, "Bjugstad had a setback in his rehab."

On the season, Bjustad had two points (one goal, one assist). The Minnesota native was the No. 19 overall pick of the Florida Panthers in 2010.

The NHL announced its Return to Play plan on Tuesday, which immediately ended the regular season and shifted to a 24-team playoff. The Penguins (40-23-6) will play the Montreal Canadiens (31-31-9) under the playoff plan, at a time and date still to be determined.

Also Wednesday, Rutherford said forward Jake Guentzel should be ready for the Penguins. Guentzel last played Dec. 30 and had shoulder surgery the next day. In 39 games on the season, he had 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists).

"Jake is going through his rehab," Rutherford said. "Things are progressing fine. We still have a ways to go before we start playing. We are optimistic that he will be ready to play."

--Field Level Media

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