Penguins F Dupuis not expected back for remainder of season

Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Pittsburgh Penguins revealed on Monday that forward Pascal Dupuis is not likely to return to the lineup this season as he recovers from a blood clot -- even if the Pens enjoy a long run through the postseason.

"Based on the doctor's report, I don't believe we'll see Pascal this year," said Penguins GM Jim Rutherford. "Obviously, that's a big loss. He's not going to be cleared to play until June."

Dupuis was diagnosed with a clot in his lung back in mid-November and was initially expected to be out of the lineup for at least six months while undergoing treatment with blood thinners.

Before his setback, Dupuis recorded six goals and five assists in 16 games this season. He missed the majority of the 2013-14 season after tearing his ACL.

"Even though he does skate on his own, and he does work out, Pascal will not play for us this season," added Pittsburgh coach Mike Johnston. "There's a certain timeline where he cannot have contact and even when it gets beyond that point where he can have contact, there's going to be a lot of discussion with the doctors."

The 35-year-old previously was diagnosed with a blood clot in January following his aforementioned knee injury. He was on blood thinners for six months after that diagnosis.

Pittsburgh, which was in a struggle for first place in the Metropolitan Division during the middle portion of the schedule, finds itself battling Washington for one of the two available wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference.

In addition to losing Dupuis, the Pens have had to play without the services of forwards Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist due to recent injuries.