Durability has always been a concern for Malkin, who has missed 20 percent of the games over the last six years, and now he is expected to miss a large chunk of 2019-20. With Nick Bjugstad also out “longer-term," the Penguins are going to lean heavily on Jared McCann and Teddy Blueger to stabilize their second and third lines.

Malkin has missed the last eight games with an upper-body injury but was on the ice for Wednesday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for Thursday’s game vs. the Red Wings. Malkin centred Phil Kessel and Bryan Rust in today’s session.

Malkin has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury but is set to play Monday in Philadelphia. Malkin centered the Penguins’ second-line with Phil Kessel and Nick Bjugstad on his wings. Malkin has registered 55 points (14G / 41A) in 50 games this season.

Malkin has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury but it looks like he will return to the lineup tonight in Buffalo. Malkin has registered seven goals and 14 assists (21 points) in 22 games this season and should be active in all formats if he plays tonight.

Malkin has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury, but the Penguins called him day-to-day this afternoon and announced that he will travel with the team to Buffalo. There’s no word whether or not Malkin will actually return to the lineup, but this is positive news that the centre is close to playing.