PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are furloughing employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused all professional sports leagues in the U.S. to suspend their seasons. In a release Tuesday, communications director Tom McMillan said the franchise instituted a “four-month unpaid leave of absence program for a number of employees” starting June 1 due to the financial struggles caused by the coronavirus. The specific number of employees who are affected was not disclosed by the team. McMillan said everyone impacted by the furloughs will receive full health benefits and are eligible for unemployment and stimulus benefits. David Morehouse, the Penguins president and CEO, made the announcement on a video conference with the staff Monday, calling it “the most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my professional career.” In March, the NHL announced all league office officials would cut their salaries to 25% in an effort to offset the revenue loss and avoid layoffs. Players also postponed their paychecks in April.