Dupuis forced to call time on his career

Today is a sad day for the Penguins as a stalwart and permanent fixture in the team, Pascal Dupuis, has had to stop playing for health reasons. He will be retiring but the Penguins are going to put him on the long term injured reserve (LTIR) list to see out the rest of his contract.

Dupuis is one of the most likeable people who you could ever listen to and those who have met him will replicate that. He is a hard working individual who has given everything to his franchise and there is no shame in doing right by his family and his health. Dupuis had appeared in 18 games so far this season after returning from a blood clot in the lung.

The injury hasn't disappeared though and will require further medical evaluation. This has affected Dupuis season and as recently as the San Jose game he stated he was in discomfort. Against the LA Kings it was visible that something wasn't right after the game as Dupuis smashed his stick in frustration.

Dupuis is comically known as "the throw-in piece" in the Marian Hossa trade that brought him to the Penguins alongside the Slovakian winger. Dupuis went from a strong, confident bottom six player to one who was able to play alongside this generations greatest player, Crosby.

He formed a relationship with Crosby and Kunitz and there was a clear chemistry between the three. He finished his Penguins career with 109 goals and 138 assists in 452 regular season games for the Penguins. He finishes his time here 33rd overall in production. Pascal Dupuis will no doubt remain with the Penguins in some capacity whilst his contract winds down but whether this is in an official position or not is to be debated.

Dupuis will be missed by Penguins fans with his witty remarks and ability to make light out of any situation. Dupuis was one of the players playing when I started watching hockey and he helped me get into it. So, from me, thank you Dupuis. Thank you.