After being sidelined for 42 games due to a blood clot in his leg, Filip Hallander returned to practice with the Pittsburgh Penguins at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Hallander participated fully in Tuesday’s session.
Head Coach Dan Muse commented on Hallander’s return: “It’s been a long road. I think for him, he has put in a lot of work. Obviously, the situation was tough, but it is what it is. He handled everything the right way, put in a lot of work, and you get to a day like today, where he’s out there with the team. I’m just really happy for him.”
Hallander had been ruled out for at least three months starting last November, which caused him to miss the team’s trip to Sweden for the 2025 NHL Global Series.
Reflecting on his recovery process, Hallander said: “In the start, it was tough, especially when it’s something that’s been a part of your life for such a long time, as hockey has been. You don’t know if it’s going to be the end. But after that, it’s probably been the best three months. It’s weird to say, especially when you find a way to get into the NHL and play a lot and start there. But you get perspective on things when stuff like that happens. When something that’s so close to you almost gets away from you, you love it even more when you get the chance to do it again.”
His teammate Kris Letang acknowledged Hallander’s journey back: “It’s a scary thing that he went through, and it’s a long road sometimes,” Letang said. “It feels lonely. I’m sure he was eager to get out there and be with the boys. When you go through stuff like that, it’s a big accomplishment, especially for your self-confidence.”
Before his injury this season, Hallander scored his first NHL goal against Los Angeles on October 16 and filled key roles during other players’ absences by playing alongside Bryan Rust and Sidney Crosby.
Rust described Hallander’s contributions: “He plays a good and hard north-south game and pays attention to all of the little details extremely well,” Rust said. “He’s a guy who you know what you’re going to get out of him. It’s going to be hard work, but he can make those little plays in tight. He can finish, too. I think he’s a great player.”
Muse praised Hallander’s approach during recovery: “His mindset has been fantastic,” Muse said. “I think he’s taken that approach. He’s controlled what he can control, which is the time in the gym, and a lot of skates by himself. Like, those are hard things. But every day that I’ve seen him, he’s had a smile on his face, and he’s just been excited to be here, and he’s excited to put in the work.”
Kris Letang also made progress returning from injury after missing four games due to a foot fracture announced on January 31 before an Olympic break pause in play.
Letang noted about his own return: “It feels pretty good,” Letang said; he added that he is nearly fully recovered: “Good to be out there with everybody.” He anticipates being ready for Pittsburgh’s first post-break game against New Jersey on February 26 but will monitor his condition until then.
The Penguins have built their reputation around consistent playoff appearances and division titles over many seasons according to their official website. The organization features notable figures including Hall of Fame players as well as strong community ties within Pittsburgh (source). The team hosts its home games at PPG Paints Arena (source), managed under Fenway Sports Group (source).
