Penguins Update: Letang and Acciari Injured, Harkins Waived
A quickie update. Defenseman Kris Letang and forward Noel Acciari are being evaluated for injuries in the wake of our 6-3 loss to Detroit. The former’s injury is lower body in nature, the latter’s upper body.
No word on the severity of the injuries or how they were hurt.
The news would appear to cast trading right-shot defenseman Mark Friedman in an incredibly poor light, especially given Chad Ruhwedel’s struggles. But I digress.
Kyle Dubas, who hinted changes might be imminent during a between-the-periods interview last night, wasted little time in springing to action. Today he placed forward Jansen Harkins on waivers.
Claimed on waivers from the Jets on October 2, Harkins initially impressed with his combination of speed, size and sand in preseason but quickly faded. Nearly invisible in four regular-season games, he amassed four shots on goal and four hits while manning his off (right) wing on a line with Lars Eller and Drew O’Connor.
Coincidentally or not, the line perked up when Mike Sullivan promoted Matt Nieto and dropped Harkins to the fourth line during the third period against the Red Wings.