Blood clot threatens to be career-ending for Dupuis
PITTSBURGH — Pascal Dupuis spent the first nine months of 2014 recovering from torn ligaments in his right knee, a gruelling stretch that tested the veteran Pittsburgh Penguins forward’s patience and commitment to the game.
The comeback barely lasted eight weeks.
Doctors diagnosed the 35-year-old Dupuis with a blood clot in his lungs on Wednesday, likely ending his season and possibly putting his career in jeopardy.
“It’s not a great situation to be in, but that’s the card that I’ve been dealt,” Dupuis said. “Hockey is definitely second on my mind right now.”
The married father of four will be on blood thinners for at least six months, meaning he won’t be cleared to return well into the post-season if at all. Dupuis had six goals and five assists while playing in each of Pittsburgh’s first 16 games, but complained of pain in his chest on Monday and stayed behind for tests as the Penguins rolled to a 4-0 win in Montreal on Tuesday.
Surrounded by a handful of teammates, including captain Sidney Crosby and defenceman Kris Letang, the popular and ever optimistic Dupuis allowed he’s not sure if he’ll play again.
“It’s hard for me to answer that question right now, not all the results have come back,” Dupuis said. “But I’ll put the effort into it.”
This isn’t his first goround with blood clots. He developed one in January shortly after shredding the ACL and MCL in his knee. Treatment coincided with his rehab and he was ready to go when training camp began. It’s uncertain if he’ll get another chance this time.
The Penguins placed Dupuis on long-term injured reserve, giving them some flexibility as they look for a potential replacement.
Blake Comeau played alongside Crosby and Kunitz on Tuesday as Pittsburgh improved its record to 13-31, tops in the Metropolitan Division.