Penguins Sidelined Forwards as Hayes Retired

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed two forwards on the injury list while veteran Kevin Hayes announced his retirement.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey

Penguins Sidelined Forwards as Hayes Retired

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Do you feel confident in your local team's performance when their key players are sidelined?

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that forwards Blake Lizotte and Oliver Okuliar have been sidelined with undisclosed injuries. Additionally, veteran center Kevin Hayes has confirmed his retirement from professional hockey after a 12-season NHL career.

Why it matters

These roster changes create uncertainty for the team just ahead of their regular season opening game. The absence of two forwards and the departure of a veteran player force the organization to adjust its lineup immediately.

Blake Lizotte recorded 19 points in 55 games during the 2025-26 season, while Oliver Okuliar joined the club after scoring 29 points in 46 games for Skelleftea AIK. Kevin Hayes concluded his 12-season NHL career after playing 28 games for Pittsburgh last year.

The players

Pittsburgh Penguins

This professional hockey team competes in the Metropolitan Division of the National Hockey League and plays its home games in Pittsburgh.

Kevin Hayes

A veteran hockey forward who played 12 seasons in the NHL and recently announced his retirement from professional competition.

Blake Lizotte

A professional hockey forward who recorded 19 points in 55 games during the 2025-26 season.

Oliver Okuliar

An acquired forward who previously played for Skelleftea AIK in Sweden before joining the Pittsburgh organization.

Filip Hallander

A professional hockey player who is participating in preseason games as the team looks to fill gaps in the active roster.

The details

Lizotte and Okuliar are considered week-to-week, leaving the coaching staff to scramble for replacements before the season begins. Hayes, aged 34, chose to step away from the sport following his time in the NHL and recent play in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Monday marked the announcement of the injury statuses and the retirement of Kevin Hayes.
Nov. 3 was the date of Filip Hallander's last NHL appearance.
June saw the acquisition of Oliver Okuliar via trade.
Sept. 30 is the scheduled date for the Penguins regular season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Season Trajectory

The sudden loss of two depth forwards and a veteran presence significantly alters the Penguins' opening rotation and internal depth chart. This forces the team to rely more heavily on prospects and players transitioning from the AHL affiliate as they prepare for the regular season.

The injury to Lizotte and retirement of Hayes leaves a void in the middle-six forward group that impacts the team's depth scoring potential. Fans and analysts should monitor the preseason rotation to see which younger skaters earn increased ice time to compensate for these absences.

The takeaway

Roster fluidity is a standard reality of the professional hockey preseason as teams manage player health and veteran transitions. Evaluating how depth players step into these vacant roles will be the primary narrative for the organization heading into the season opener.