Jake Guentzel injury update: The Penguins winger has been placed on IR and is expected to miss four weeks

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff hopes were dealt a devastating blow on Thursday. The Penguins announced that winger Jake Guentzel is on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury and is expected to miss four weeks.

Guentzel, who plays alongside Sidney Crosby for the Penguins, is having a breakout season. He is second on the team in goals (22), tied for first in a*sists (30) and tied for first in points (52).

If Guentzel misses the full four weeks, he will miss Pittsburgh’s next 14 games, which would significantly impact the team’s already dwindling playoff chances. The Penguins are currently seven points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and have lost three straight games in regulation. The loss of Guentzel makes the playoff picture even bleaker.

Pittsburgh has relied heavily on its top six forwards this season, and Guentzel has been one of the best. This, too, would do no favors to the wretched power of the pens.

With Guentzel set to return to Mach. 7, one day before the NHL trade deadline, presents an interesting dilemma for general manager Kyle Dubas. Guentzel is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if Pittsburgh’s playoff chances continue to dip toward zero, he could be in a different jersey come March 8.