The hand injury that Phil Kessel hid during the Pittsburgh Penguins' march to the Stanley Cup may keep him out of the lineup for the beginning of this season.
The Penguins aren't positive Kessel will be available early on, but it "will be close," according to Josh Yohe of DKPittsburghSports.com.
Kessel hasn't missed a regular season contest since 2009-10, and suited up for all 24 Penguins playoff games. He underwent surgery in July, after reportedly suffering the injury in the first round versus the New York Rangers.
In his first season with the Penguins, he amassed an underwhelming 59 points in 82 games, but was a force in the playoffs, recording 10 goals and 12 assists.
Pittsburgh begins its preseason Sept. 27, while their regular campaign kicks off Oct. 13 versus the Washington Capitals.
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