Injured Penguins Star Jake Guentzel Primed for Season Opener Return

The Pittsburgh Penguins are optimistic about Jake Guentzel’s recovery from offseason surgery and believe he may be able to open the season in the lineup. Coach Mike Sullivan stated that Guentzel is day to day and will likely be a game-time decision. Despite the initial expectation that he would miss the first five games, Guentzel has been practicing at full capacity and participating in power-play drills. The Penguins are encouraged by his progress and view him as an important player for the team.

Guentzel has been skating on the top power-play unit alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson, showing no signs of impediments from his injury. While Guentzel remains vague about the details of his recovery, he emphasizes the need to be cautious and ensure that he is fully comfortable on the ice before returning. The Penguins are set to open the regular season against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

AP

Forward Radim Zohorna initially joined the Penguins as an undrafted free agent in March of 2021.

With the NHL’s deadline to submit the season-opening roster approaching, the Penguins have waived five players: Vinnie Hinostroza, Colin White, Radim Zohorna, Mark Friedman, and Magnus Hellberg. If they clear waivers, they will be assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. Zohorna, who had a productive preseason with three points in four games, is the most notable name among them. The Penguins signed him to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 after he was claimed by the Calgary Flames last year. Hinostroza, White, Friedman, and Hellberg are also facing potential reassignment.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Defenseman Owen Pickering was the Penguins’ first-round selection in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Defenseman Owen Pickering, the Penguins’ first-round pick in 2022, made his return to practice after being sidelined due to an undisclosed injury. This was his first full practice session since participating in a prospect development camp in July. Pickering expressed his excitement to be back on the ice with the team and is expected to be assigned to his junior team, the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. He currently serves as the team captain.