Justin Schultz D FA Tue 11/7/17 12:46 PM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz (concussion) will be a game-time decision for Tuesday night's contest against the Coyotes, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
EDGE Analysis
Schultz could potentially return to the lineup Tuesday after missing the last six games as a result of his concussion. At the very least, it sounds like the 27-year-old has been medically cleared to play since Mackey also noted that Matt Hunwick (concussion) has not, so now it's just a matter of if Schultz, the coaches, and the medical staff feel that the timing is right for him to return. Either way, check back for updates prior to Tuesday evening's puck drop.
Justin Schultz D FA Mon 11/6/17 2:09 PM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz (concussion) took part in a full-contact practice Monday.
EDGE Analysis
Considering Schultz is coming back from a concussion, the fact he is able to participate in a practice with contact is a good sign he'll be ready to return soon. While he wasn't producing like he did last season in his breakout campaign, the Penguins could still really use Schultz back in their lineup.
Justin Schultz D FA Tue 10/31/17 3:14 PM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz (concussion) stayed back in Pittsburgh while the team went out on a five-game road trip, Sam Kasan of Pens Inside Scoop reports.
EDGE Analysis
Coach Mike Sullivan didn't rule out the possibility that Schultz could rejoin the team at some point on its road trip, but for now, he will continue skating and recovering at home. The defenseman has already missed the Pens' previous trio of outings after taking an unpenalized elbow to the face from the Oilers' Drake Caggiula and could be sidelined up to three more before Pittsburgh returns home Nov. 7 versus Arizona.
Justin Schultz D FA Wed 10/25/17 3:02 PM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz (concussion) is doubtful for Thursday's clash with Winnipeg, Sam Kasan of Pens Inside Scoop reports.
EDGE Analysis
Schultz took what some might call an illegal elbow to the face from Edmonton's Drake Caggiula -- although no penalty was called on the play -- forcing him out of Tuesday's matchup. The former Wisconsin Badger was placed on injured reserve per the NHL media site, which effectively rules him out until Pittsburgh square off with the Oilers again on Nov. 1. With Matt Hunwick (concussion) still not available, Zach Trotman figures to slot into the third pairing.
Justin Schultz D FA Tue 10/24/17 10:24 PM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz has been diagnosed with a concussion after Tuesday's matchup with the Oilers, Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
EDGE Analysis
This concussion is likely an effect of a hit by Drake Caggiula in the first period, where Caggiula's elbow came into contact with Schultz' face. Schultz will have to complete the league's concussion protocol before getting back onto the ice, so it's unlikely he'll play Thursday against the Jets.
Justin Schultz D FA Tue 10/24/17 8:41 PM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz (undisclosed) left Tuesday's game against the Oilers and didn't return after the first intermission, Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
EDGE Analysis
Schultz took an elbow to the head from Drake Caggiula in the first period, so his absence may be a symptom of that. The 27-year-old blueliner has one goal, two assists and 16 blocked shots through nine games while logging significant time on the power play. If he doesn't return Tuesday, his next chance to play will be Thursday against the Jets, but if the injury requires him to sit out for a longer period, expect Zach Trotman to fill the vacancy on the Pens' blue line.
Justin Schultz D FA Thu 10/5/17 1:45 AM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz put the puck past the goal line for the Penguins in Wednesday's 5-4 overtime home loss to the Blues.
EDGE Analysis
While it wasn't the outcome Schultz or his teammates wanted, the power-play quarterback at least got the crowd off its feet with the game's first score, setting up from the point and weaving the puck past Jake Allen top shelf on a goalie screen from forward Jake Guentzel. There should be plenty more where that came from for Schultz, as he busted out for 51 points in 78 games last season and looks poised to build off that personal-best campaign.
Justin Schultz D FA Sat 7/1/17 5:53 PM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Penguins worth an annual average value of $5.5 million.
EDGE Analysis
Schultz was always Pittsburgh's top priority and after putting up career highs in goals (12), assists (39) and power-play points (20) there was little doubt he was going to get a significant pay bump. With Kris Letang (neck) sidelined, Pittsburgh relied heavily on the 26-year-old to pick up the scoring slack -- including 13 points in the postseason, seven of which came with the man advantage. While repeating his 51-point 2016-17 campaign might be a stretch, the blueliner is certainly capable of reaching the 40-point mark this upcoming season.
Justin Schultz D FA Tue 6/27/17 2:46 PM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz was tendered a qualifying offer by the Penguins on Monday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
EDGE Analysis
Schultz's qualifying offer is almost certainly temporary as the two sides have already begun preliminary talks on a long-term deal. Many people in Edmonton would consider the second-round draft pick a bust, but he has thrived in the Burgh, including reaching career highs in goals (12), assists (39) and shots on goal (154) this past season. In the absence of Kris Letang (neck), the 26-year-old Schultz was relied on heavily on the power play and in the offensive zone -- roles he appears to relish.
Justin Schultz D FA Thu 6/15/17 10:59 AM
Justin Schultz
D FA
Schultz told reporters that the injury that kept him out of four postseason contests was a broken rib, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
EDGE Analysis
Perhaps more importantly than the injury details, Schultz -- who will be a restricted free agent -- also stated that he wanted to remain with Pittsburgh, per Wes Crosby of NHL.com. If he is re-signed by the Penguins, the offensively-minded defenseman will likely continue playing on the power play where he racked up 20 points this past season. Career highs in goals (12), assists (39), and shots on goal (154) are indicative how much better of a fit the 26-year-old is in Pittsburgh than he was in Edmonton.