The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without forward Reilly Smith for the foreseeable future. Head coach Mike Sullivan categorized Smith's upper-body injury as longer-term at Penguins practice earlier today.
Smith had been struggling before being injured in the first period of the Penguins game against the Vancouver Canucks. Earlier in the week, he was demoted to the third line following a stretch of 28 games in which he scored two goals.
With Smith slated to miss time, the Penguins have a few options to fill his role in the lineup. Jansen Harkins may be in line for some added ice time following a handful of solid performances on the Penguins' fourth line.
Sullivan was complimentary of Harkins following the Canucks game. "He keeps his game simple," Sullivan said. "He uses his speed and gets in on the forecheck. I think his confidence is growing."
If Harkins gets promoted to the third line, the Penguins could turn to a handful of options to step into the lineup. Familiar faces Radim Zohorna and Vinnie Hinostroza are the most likely options for the Penguins' bottom six.
With Smith's return date uncertain, the Penguins may also give Penguins' 2019 first-round pick Sam Poulin an opportunity. Poulin played three games early last season but likely missed call-up opportunities late in the year and earlier this season due to injury.
The Penguins have several options to fill Reilly Smith's role over the next few weeks.
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