Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins have had a rough start to March, dropping their first two games after suffering tough losses in February. Now, things could get even more challenging as they prepare to face the Colorado Avalanche without a key defenseman.
According to the Penguins, P.O Joseph has been placed on the injured reserve list and will not be available for the matchup against Avalanche. Joseph also missed the game against the Maple Leafs but was in the lineup during the team’s recent loss to the Bruins.
It has been a difficult season for Joseph, who spent part of the year with the St. Louis Blues before returning to Pittsburgh. So far, he has played 24 games with the Penguins this season, in addition to the 47 games he appeared in with the Blues.
The Penguins are also still missing Michael Bunting, who has been on injured reserve since February 27 with no clear return date. With both Joseph and Bunting sidelined, the team continues to struggle with key absences at a crucial point in the season.
ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 28: P.O Joseph #73 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on December 28, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
How much time does P.O Joseph have left on his Penguins contract?
Joseph was traded back to Pittsburgh in December 2024 for future considerations. He had signed a one-year, $950,000 deal with the Blues, which will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. His future with the Penguins remains uncertain. Over his two seasons as an NHL professional, Joseph has earned a total of $2,940,483.
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Sidney Crosby's net worth: How rich is the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins?
A tough season for the Penguins
Sidney Crosby and the Penguins are well aware that their chances of making the playoffs are fading fast. Sitting at ninth in the Wild Card standings with just 58 points—behind the Islanders but not at the bottom—their postseason hopes are slipping away.
The last time the Penguins faced the Avalanche was in December, a game Pittsburgh lost 6-2 in a blowout on home ice. Now, without key players, they’ll need to find a way to avoid a similar fate.
