Karlsson injured as camp opens

The Pittsburgh Penguins opened their training camp in Cranberry on Wednesday without one of their top players.

Defenseman Erik Karlsson is sidelined because of an undisclosed injury and is considered day to day. Speaking following practice, coach Mike Sullivan suggested Karlsson’s absence was precautionary.

During a scrimmage session, Karlsson was spotted near the home bench in gym clothing with no visible malady.

A seven-time All-Star, Karlsson was the Penguin’s fourth-leading scorer last season, posting 56 points (11 goals, 45 assists) while averaging 24:16 of ice time per contest in 82 games.

In addition to Karlsson, the Penguins are opening camp without injured forwards Matt Nieto, Beau Jelsma and Jagger Joshua and goaltender Taylor Gauthier.

Nieto is approximately four months removed from surgery on his left knee. The team issued a timeframe of six to seven months for recovery in May. Sullivan indicated that time frame remains intact.

Before practice, Nieto skated with a handful of teammates and Sullivan note management is “encouraged” by his participation.

Jelsma and Gauthier each skated for the team in the Prospect Challenge event hosted by the Buffalo Sabres this past weekend and suffered undisclosed injuries. Per a team spokesperson, Jelsma is considered “longer term” in his recovery while Gauthier was labeled as “day to day.”

Joshua was also described as “longer term.”