If the playoffs do resume at some point this summer, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be without the services of Dominik Simon. The team announced today that Simon actually underwent surgery on April 29th to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He had originally suffered the injury in late February missing the last few games before the season was shut down.
Simon is expected to be out for six to seven months. Normally that would mean missing the start of next season, but given the uncertain start date that can’t be assumed at this point.
The 25-year old forward had seven goals and 22 points for the Penguins in 64 games this season, even spending some time alongside Sidney Crosby on the top line. With an injury ruling him out for any playoffs, the focus can now move to his next contract.
On the second season of a two-year contract with the Penguins, Simon carries just a $750K cap hit. Given that he is eligible for arbitration that number will surely increase, though just how much is still unclear. The fifth-round pick has been a useful depth piece, but still only has 19 goals in his 173-game NHL career.
Guentzel Crosby Sheary
Zucker Malkin Rust
Marleau McCann Hornqvist
ZAR Blueger Tanev
Between Jake coming back healthy and the deadline deals, Simon wouldn’t be in the lineup anyway. The group of 12 above also leaves Bjugstad in a suit with Lafferty, Rodrigues, etc. behind him. Hate to lose depth, but…they’ll be OK.
Simon will score as many goals over the next seven months as he would have if he had played in any possible 2020 playoff games.