Malkin continues to practice and is nearing his season debut but it will not be Wednesday vs. the Blues. With Jeff Carter also still out, expect Evan Rodrigues to centre the second line again.
Evgeni Malkin News
Malkin took part in Monday's morning skate in a non-contact jersey, the first time he's skated with the team since undergoing knee surgery in July. Malkin was expected to miss the first two months of the season, so it appears he's on track to return in the middle of December.
Malkin underwent surgery on his right knee and will miss at least the first two months of the 2021-22 season. Malkin will likely end up missing roughly 20-to-25 games. His draft stock will take a hit but he's still worth a mid-to-late round pick for his point-per-game production from December on.
Unlike the first two games, Malkin took part in line rushes and power-play work during the morning skate, so it looks like he will play in Game 3 vs. the Islanders. Malkin was on PP1 and centred the second line with Jason Zucker and Kasperi Kapanen on his wings.
Malkin missed Game 1 and will be a game-time decision for Game 2. Malkin did not take part in line rushes during Monday's practice, so it doesn't appear as if he will play but keep an eye on his status as the Penguins hit the ice for warmups at 7:00 PM ET.
Malkin has missed the last 23 games with a lower-body injury but will play Monday vs. the Flyers. Malkin will be back on the second line with Jason Zucker and Kasperi Kapanen and will replace Jared McCann on PP1. Malkin has scored eight goals with 16 assists in 29 games this year.
Malkin has been out since March 16th but will be a game-time decision on Saturday. Malkin has been skating recently but its unclear where he will slot in in his return to the lineup. Malkin, who was red-hot before he got hurt, comes into Saturday with 24 points (8G / 16A) in 29 games.
The Penguins said that Malkin is still being evaluated and will not play on Thursday. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that he hopes to have more information on Malkin in the next day or so, so it sounds like he could miss some time.
Malkin's injury comes on the heels of Teddy Blueger being sidelined "longer-term," so the Penguins centre depth will be put to the test if Malkin can't go Thursday. Luckily, Jared McCann, who is a natural centre but has played some wing this season, could be back in New Jersey.
Malkin left Wednesday's practice early with some discomfort in one of his eyes. Head coach Mike Sullivan called Malkin a game-time decision for Thursday's game but it seems likely that he placed.