Penguins Lose Veteran Forward to Injury

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without veteran forward Jeff Carter against the New Jersey Devils. Carter was the lone absent skater from the Penguins’ full-team morning skate in New Jersey. Jonathan Gruden was recalled on an emergency basis and was present with the Penguins.

Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed following the practice that Carter will be out day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Carter didn't miss any expected time in the Penguins' last game against the Detroit Red Wings. In 21 shifts, he recorded just over 14 and a half minutes of ice time.

The Penguins didn’t run lines during the morning skate, but Gruden or Jesse Puljujarvi will likely replace Carter. Carter has been a healthy scratch this season, but when he is in the lineup, he’s been a feature on the fourth line.

In what could be his final NHL season, Carter has scored nine goals and three assists for 12 points in 61 games.

Gruden has appeared in 11 games with his first NHL goal under his belt, while Puljujariv has been a healthy scratch for a good chunk of games since he signed with the Penguins. Puljujarvi has also appeared in 11 games with one goal.