The Pittsburgh Penguins have diagnosed a usually healthy blue liner with a concussion.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins got a big win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, keeping their playoff hopes alive, but they had to finish the game short-handed. After just one period of play, defenseman Ryan Graves did not return to the ice.

Following the game, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan stated Graves was being evaluated for an upper-body injury.

At the following day’s full-team practice, Graves was again absent from the ice. Sullivan said following the practice that Graves was diagnosed with a concussion. Considering the diagnosis, there is no timetable for a return.

With Graves out of the lineup, the Penguins are likely turning to rookie defender John Ludvig to fill the void. Ludvig has played in 32 games this season and impressed the team with his physical presence. In those 32 games, he’s accumulated 71 hits and five fighting majors.

Ludvig will likely line up with fellow newcomer Jack St. Ivany. With only 36 career NHL games between the two, it's one of the least experienced pairings across the league. The Penguins have liked what they've seen from Ludvig and St. Ivany on their own and are looking forward to what this pair may bring.

Graves has had a healthy season up to this point, playing in 70 games and only missing a pair for personal reasons. In that time, he has scored three goals and 11 assists for 14 points and leads the Penguins in blocked shots with 143.

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