Penguins' Pascal Dupuis diagnosed with blood clot in lung, out 6 months

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Pascal Dupuis will miss at least six months after being diagnosed with a blood clot. (USATSI)

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Wednesday that forward Pascal Dupuis has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung and will be out of the lineup for at least six months while undergoing treatment with blood thinners. The clot was found Monday after Dupuis complained of discomfort in his chest, according to the team.

'Pascal had a blood clot in his leg that traveled to his lung,' said Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, the Penguins' team physician. 'In medical terms, that is a deep vein thrombosis resulting in a pulmonary embolism. This is the second such incident that we know of for Pascal. The treatment is at least six months of blood thinners, during which time he will not be able to play hockey. Other than that, his condition is stable.'

According to the Penguins, this is the second time Dupuis has been diagnosed with a blood clot this year alone as he was previously diagnosed in January. That kept him out until October.

While the Penguins are dealing with lineup concerns as a result of this diagnosis, Dupuis' health is the most important matter at hand.

'Our focus at this point is on Pascal's health and well-being,' Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said in a statement. 'He will have all the support he needs from the Penguins organization and our medical staff.'

In addition to Dupuis' blood clot in January, the Pens have dealt with some seriously scary health issues over the last two seasons. Defenseman Kris Letang missed time last year after suffering a stroke and defenseman Olli Maatta recently had a cancerous tumor removed from his thyroid gland. Also, goaltender Tomas Vokoun missed all of last season with blood clots and has yet to resume his career. Additionally, earlier this year, Dupuis left a game on a stretcher after he was hit on the back of his neck by a puck.

Dupuis has been strong in his return from injury and blood clots. He had six goals and 11 points in 16 games for the Penguins this year. At 35 years old, you have to wonder how long Dupuis will be able to carry on with his career, especially with two significant health scares in a year.

Hopefully Dupuis can make a complete recover and make a decision he feels is best for both his career and his health.