Injured Defenseman Returns to Penguins

PITTSBURGH – Chad Ruhwedel was an early exit from the ice in the Pittsburgh Penguins victory over the Seattle Kraken. In the third period of the shutout win, Ruhwedel took a hard hit into the boards and didn’t finish the contest.

Penguins’ head coach Mike Sullivan stated following the game that he had no updates on Ruhwedel and was yet to meet with the training staff.

After day off, the Penguins returned to the ice for a full-team skate and Ruhwedel was a regular participant in his usual spot. Skating on the third pairing with P.O. Joseph, the Penguins will likely not miss Ruhwedel for any time.

Ruhwedel said that he was taken out of the contest mostly as a precaution. Had there been more time left in the game it’s likely he would have returned.

Injured defenseman John Ludvig skated on his own prior to the practice and was the only injured Penguins player to skate in any capacity.

Reilly Smith and Matt Nieto were not on the ice and are still expected to be out longer-term. Head coach Mike Sullivan was also absent from the practice, but was with his daughter who just gave birth to her first child. Sullivan is expected to meet with the team in Vegas.

Radim Zohorna was also not skating with the Penguins after being placed on waivers.