The Pittsburgh Penguins just kicked off training camp, but things are already taking a sharp turn.
The injury bug has started to plague the team, knocking two players out of camp today.
Pittsburgh Penguins Sideline Two Injured Players
As reported by Penguins PR (via X), “Forwards Blake Lizotte (upper-body) and Oliver Okuliar (lower-body) will not participate in training camp today. Both players are considered week-to-week.”
During Lizotte’s 2025-26 campaign, he skated in 55 games and scored seven goals with 12 assists for 19 points.
As for Okuliar, he was acquired from the Florida Panthers in June of this year. He spent last season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
During that period, he skated in 46 games and logged 15 goals with 14 assists for 29 points.
Upon the franchise releasing the news of Lizotte and Okuliar, fans expressed frustration, as they’ve now lost two players for the time being, despite camp having just started.
Where Do the Penguins Stand Right Now?
Pittsburgh wrapped up its season last year with a 41-25 overall record.
They finished second in the Metropolitan Division, behind the Carolina Hurricanes at 53-22 overall.
On Monday, Sept. 21, the Penguins will be facing the Buffalo Sabres in a preseason clash at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be held at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
According to NHL.com, their lineup for the meeting will look as follows:
Forwards
10 – Andrei Kuzmenko
11 – Filip Hallander
13 – David Gustafsson
16 – Justin Brazeau
17 – Bryan Rust
19 – Connor Dewar
22 – Hendrix Lapierre
25 – Elmer Soderblom
26 – Tristan Broz
40 – Tanner Howe
62 – Carter Sanderson
81 – Ben Kindel
85 – Avery Hayes
Defense
27 – Ryan Graves
32 – Thomas Galvas
38 – Owen Pickering
44- Chase Pietila
45 – Harrison Brunicke
57 – Trevor van Riemsdyk
58 – Kris Letang
Goalies
1 – Sergei Murashov
30 – Joel Blomqvist
The following day, the Penguins will take on the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. ET.
Pittsburgh is not without talent or skill, but their ability to stay healthy will be the key to unlocking success this season.
If the team follows in the footsteps of Lizotte and Okuliar early on, the Penguins could find themselves in trouble.
Pittsburgh Penguins Already Faced With Injury Trouble With 2 Players Sidelined