PITTSBURGH – While his future with the Pittsburgh Penguins is uncertain, there was some positive news regarding Jake Guentzel’s injury. Following a full-team practice in Vancouver, Guentzel hopped on the ice for his first skate since suffering an upper-body injury.
With a placement on long-term injured reserve, Guentzel is not eligible to return until March 10, two days after the NHL trade deadline.
Guentzel has been one of the most talked about names on the trade market, and many have believed that this injury shouldn't hamper any sort of deal that might take place. The Penguins front office is still mulling their situation with Guentzel, but if the team can keep winning and sticking in the playoff race, he just might stick around.
While Guentzel might not be back any time soon, head coach Mike Sullivan said it's great to see the progress that's being made.
"It's a big step when they get on the ice," Sullivan said. "Just means they're that much closer."
The Penguins might never play another game with Guentzel on their roster, but seeing him work his way back to the ice is a great sign. In 50 games this year, Guentzel has scored 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 total points, all of which are good for second on the team.
Guentzel has already missed five games and the Penguins are 3-1-1 in his absence.
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