Guentzel was initially expected to miss the first month of the season, but then GM Kyle Dubas said he may only miss five games. Now, it looks like Guentzel may not be in danger of missing any games after being a full participant in Tuesday's practice. Guentzel had 36 goals and 37 assists (73 points) in 78 games a season ago.
Guentzel underwent offseason ankle surgery in early August and was expected 12 weeks. Penguins' GM Kyle Dubas later stated he would only miss about five games, so returning to the ice in training camp suggests he's on track for an early season debut.
Guentzel had 36 goals, 37 assists, 244 SOG, 46 PIMs and a +2 plus/minus through 78 games with Pittsburgh in 2022-23 and will now miss the next three months and start of the season as he recovers from a successful Ankle surgery. The 28-year-old elite scoring left-winger is expected to be re-evaluated in 12 weeks which means he will miss at least the Penguins' first seven games. It is a massive loss for the Penguins early as Guentzel has scored 99 goals in the previous three seasons.
Although he is being evaluated still, there is positive injury news for Jake Guentzel as he will travel with the Penguins to Columbus. He is considered day-today in the meantime. Guentzel has enjoyed an incredible start to his 2022-23 season, as he leads all NHLers with three GWG while collecting five points (3G/2A) in four games off of 17 SOG.
Guentzel missed the season opener due to COVID-19 protocol but will play Thursday in Florida. Guentzel will play on the top line with Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust as well as PP1. Guentzel has averaged 39 goals and 43 assists (82 points) per 82 games over the last three seasons.
Guentzel cleared COVID-19 protocol and was on the ice for Wednesday's practice, presumable clearing the way for him to play on Thursday. If Guentzel plays, he will skate on the top line with Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust and return to his role on PP1.
Guentzel missed a big chunk of the preseason following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, so he will be held out of the opener in Tampa. However, Guentzel did make the trip and will be re-evaluated ahead of Thursday's game against the Panthers.
Guentzel injured his shoulder while falling awkwardly into the boards after scoring his 20th goal of the season and will miss at least four months. The Penguins have battled injuries all season-long and have managed to go 24-11-4 (2nd in the Metro) but this is a huge blow to their top-6.
Guentzel was set to become a restricted free agent this summer but is now signed though the 2023-24 season. Guentzel is on-pace to shatter all of his previous career highs, picking up 15 goals and 18 assists (33 points) in 37 games—a 33-goal, 40-assist (73 points) pace.
