Penguins take major blow as Crosby’s star linemate out with severe health issue

The Pittsburgh Penguins have taken a significant blow and announced on Friday that forward Filip Hallander has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg and will miss a minimum of three months.

“Hallander will rehab in Pittsburgh with the Penguins’medical team and UPMC staff,” the team shared on social media.

Hallander’s rookie season is taking a long pause, which is just terrible news for the young player and the Penguins.

Hallander had been filling the role of top-line left winger beside captain Sidney Crosby, playing in 13 of the Penguins’14 games this season, scoring one goal and adding three assists.

His severe health issue is added to an already busy infarmy in Pittsburgh. On Tuesday, three players were added on injured reserve, including forwards Noel Acciari and Justin Brazeau. The team recalled Danton Heinen to fill one of the spots.

While not official yet, Hallander is a near-lock for long-term injured reserve in the coming days, given the length of his absence.