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Two Penguins Begin Working Way Back from Injuries

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Penguins on SI
By Nick Horwat | Last updated Jan 20, 2024 12:31 PM ET

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins have traveled out west for contests against the Vegas Golden Knights and the Arizona Coyotes. Normally, injured players who are expected to be out longer term will not travel with the team, but the Penguins were joined by a pair of skaters for practice in Vegas.

After the formal practice wrapped up, forward Reilly Smith and defenseman John Ludvig took in a skate in white non-contact uniforms.

John Ludvig and Reilly Smith, both dressed in white no-contact jerseys, are taking the ice now that the official portion of Penguins practice has wrapped up and guys are just doing their own thing.
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) January 19, 2024

Smith has been dealing with an upper-body injury and the Penguins are yet to provide a diagnosis or time table, but this is a promising sign. Head coach Mike Sullivan initially stated that Smith would be out longer-term with an upper-body injury, but he is yet to be taken off the active roster.

The Penguins also stated that more information is expected to be released on Smith after the weekend.

It was likely Smith would make the trip regardless since it is the Penguins’ first time in Vegas since acquiring one of the original Golden Knights. Smith was part of the inaugural Golden Knights team and played a huge role leading all the way to their Stanley Cup victory last season.

Ludvig is on long-term injured reserve and isn’t eligible to return until at least after the All-Star break.

Sullivan noted that there has not been a real change in a time table for either player, but them taking the ice is a good sign of progress being made.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Penguins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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