Penguins notebook: Defenseman Mark Pysyk out 'longer term'

Mark Pysyk’s attempt at a comeback with the Pittsburgh Penguins encountered a significant impediment.

The veteran right-handed defenseman, in training camp on a professional tryout contract (PTO), will be out “longer term” because of an undisclosed injury he suffered during a 4-3 overtime road preseason loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday.

Coach Mike Sullivan provided a few details on Pysyk’s ordeal Tuesday in Cranberry.

“I’m not sure where that’s going to go at this point,” Sullivan said. “I haven’t had a discussion with (president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas) at this point. It’s unfortunate because we were really looking forward to watching Mark here throughout the course of the (preseason), getting him into some games and seeing where potentially he might fit in our team.”

Pysyk, 31, is attempting to regain a regular NHL role after missing the entire 2022-23 season as a member of the Detroit Red Wings due to an Achilles tendon injury. Before Sunday, his most recent NHL game came in April 2022 as a member of the Buffalo Sabres.

“This is the first time I’ve played in a practice like that in probably 17 months,” Pysyk said following the first day of training camp Thursday. “I couldn’t be more excited. Just having a full year off the ice, not being able to compete, has given me the perspective that every day that you have an opportunity in the NHL is exciting.”

Penguins management saw the right-hander as a viable option to man their third defensive pairing when it extended the PTO to the 10-year veteran.

“There were a couple (of) teams that expressed interest to bring me in on a PTO, but looking here, I thought it was a good opportunity to play, at the foremost, play in some exhibition games,” Pysyk said. “A couple of the guys are on the right side, obviously. I don’t know how many games they’ll want to play, so there’s that opportunity and the opportunity to come in and try to fight for a spot.”

Fedun continues to lead

There are a pair of captains in training camp with the Penguins.

The first is Sidney Crosby, bearer of a “C” on his chest since 2007.

The other is Taylor Fedun, who is entering his third season as captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

A journeyman who has spent time with six NHL organizations over 12 professional seasons, Fedun was appointed captain of the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate after signing with the organization in 2021.

Expected to once again open the season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Fedun understands he is not the captain in this camp. But he still tries to act the part when appropriate.

“It’s a little bit different,” said Fedun, 35. “But I still try to act in a way I think is a good example for the younger guys. There’s certain responsibilities down (with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton). My personality now is the same here and there. It’s be comfortable in the locker room and try to set a good example. I’m not like ‘rah-rah,’ but I’m not just sitting here with my lips sealed the whole time as well. I’m trying to do the right things.”

Historically, the Penguins organization has expected the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton captain to show the right things to younger players, on and off the ice.

The likes of Tom Kostopoulos, Garrett Wilson, David Warsofsky and Fedun have almost acted as an extra coach to the organization’s prospects.

“Those veteran players that play in Wilkes-Barre are really important for us as far as establishing the Pittsburgh Penguins culture that’s so important to us,” Sullivan said. “(Fedun) has done a great job, I think, in that regard. He’s had a tough act to follow when you look at some of the captains that have been there, starting with (Kostopoulos). Just high-character, high-quality people that have done a terrific job in helping us develop our young players in the (AHL).

“I think (Fedun) deserves a lot of credit for taking on that responsibility. It’s a vitally important role for us.”

Charitable initiatives

Pittsburgh-area McDonald’s restaurants will sell Penguins co-branded cup sleeves for the 2023-24 season, with proceeds benefiting local Ronald McDonald House Charities initiatives. Additionally, forward Evgeni Malkin’s “I’m Score” program will return for the 2023-24 season. Malkin will donate $710 for every point he scores, with the grand total being matched by local McDonald’s owner/operators. Last season, the program generated $117,860.

Staff writer Justin Guerriero contributed.