Nick Bonino is out week-to-week, but the Pittsburgh Penguins have a few players who can step up in his absence.

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that Nick Bonino will be out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis with a lacerated kidney.

Head coach Mike Sullivan said that an early prognosis looks positive for Bonino, but the Penguins will have to work to fill the open roster spot.

Bonino was brought back to Pittsburgh with the purposes of playing fourth line center.

While you never want to see a player get injured, Bonino’s status opens up fantastic opportunities for multiple forwards to either make their mark at the NHL level or prove their worth at the position.

Sullivan stated that Mikael Granlund, Drew O’Connor, Jeff Carter, and Ryan Poehling when he returns to the lineup all have to step up and play with that next man up mentality.

“It opens up opportunities for a lot of guys,” Sullivan said. “Any time players go down with an injury, we have to fill that void. Players are going to get opportunities to play more significant roles.”

Alex Nylander was recalled from the AHL on an emergency basis and this will be another chance for him to prove his worth in the NHL lineup.

In his first game with the Penguins, he recorded a secondary assist while playing on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Jason Zucker.

“I thought he played extremely well,” Sullivan said. “He’s a smart player. He has the ability to read plays. Anticipate and get to the puck.”

O’Connor is another young player who has hit another level over the last few weeks and will look to take advantage of this opportunity.

In 30 games played this season, O’Connor sits at eight points (5G-3A), but the confidence and ability he plays with is clearly visible.

O’Connor has played a big role in bringing a little extra jolt to a bottom-six that has been lagging all season.

“We’ve always had a ‘next man up’ mindset here in Pittsburgh,” Sullivan said. “We believe we have capable people and the depth to continue to win games.”

Sullivan says the guys should be excited about the opportunities and possibilities that can arise in this situation.

The Penguins will see adjustments to their roster without Bonino, but it’s time to see what the depth forwards can do with this adversity.

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