PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – During his news conference to discuss the trade to acquire forward Jeff Carter, Pens GM Ron Hextall announced Brandon Tanev will miss the start of the playoffs.
Tanev suffered an upper body injury April 3 against the Bruins and was placed on long-term injured reserve, meaning he would have to be out just over three weeks, but Hextall says it will be longer.
The 6' forward is more than just the 7 goals and 9 assists and a plus 12. He brings energy. He's a threat to score short-handed and a key to the penalty kill. There is also an attitude when Tanev on the ice that is hard to replace. Hextall would disclose Tanev's injury but said 'it's a hard one to judge'.
Hextall did say he expects Kaperi Kapanen (7 goals, 14 assists) should return in 10 to 14 days. He also believes Evgeni Malkin (8 goals, 16 assists), who has resumed skating, will return before the post-season begins.
The regular season ends May 8.
