Well there you go, first year head coach Mike Johnston all but guarenteed that Malkin will return from his lower-body injury and play the right wing on the Penguins second line with Pascal Dupuis and Brandon Sutter.
Malkin missed all of the preseason but has been practicing the last two days and says he thinks he will play when the Penguins open up their season on Thursday vs. the Ducks. Health has been a concern for Malkin in recent years (missed 85 games in 4 years), but talent definitely is not a concern. He had 23 goals and 49 assists (72 points) in 60 games last season.
Malkin has said that he has a 50/50 chance of playing on Thursday, but should be back by Saturday if he can't play tomorrow. Expect another update after this morning's skate.
Malkin who has played centre for the vast majority of his career is expected to start the season on the wing under new head coach Mike Johnston. Malkin is still questionable for Thursday's season opener, but when he gets in the lineup, be prepared to see him on the wing.
Malkin skated with the Sidney Crosby and Patric Honrqvist this morning and said that he is feeling good, just a little out of shape. He added that if he doesn't play in the opener on Thursday, he expects to be in the lineup on Saturday vs. the Maple Leafs. This is great news for the Penguins and Malkin owners.
Being used on the wing suggests that Malkin was simply filling in for Chris Kunitz and may not be ready for Thursday's season opener. Malkin missed the preseason with a lower-body injury, but his status should be monitored over the next two days.
Details on Malkin's injury have been very vague. Six days ago head coach Mike Johnson originally said that Malkin would be out four or five more days, so it appears that Malkin's recovery is on schedule. Malkin has battled injuries throughout his career, so this is not the way he wanted to start the 2014-15 season. The Penguins start their season on Thusday, so monitor Malkin's status as the season approaches.
Malkin missed his second straight day of training camp on Friday, but he is expected to be ready to go for the start of the season. The Penguins announced on Thursday that Malkin is only dealing with a minor injury.
Malkin was on the ice for the morning skate taking line rushes with Jussi Jokinen and James Neal. His participation in the morning skate suggests that he will be good to go tonight in game 1 vs. the Blue Jackets.
Penguins' head coach Dan Bylsma said it is too early to say if Malkin will be ready to play game 1 of the playoffs. He has been out Sine March 23rd and will miss his seventh straight game tonight.
Malkin reportedly was injured in his first shift on Sunday vs. St. Louis, but still played 24:32. In the middle of the fantasy playoffs this is rough for Malkin owners. The injuries continue to mount for the Penguins. Two-to-three weeks means there is a chance that Malkin will likely miss the remainder of the regular season.
There is no word whether or not Malkin will play tonight. They may have just given him the morning off. Monitor his status before tonight's clash with the Coyotes.
Malkin missed the last nine games with a leg injury, but he will return today vs. the Jets. He will centre his usual line with Jussi Jokinen and James Neal on his wings. Malkin has recorded 41 points (9G / 32A) in 32 games, activate him in all formats.
Malkin will be a game-time decision for this afternoon's matchup with the Jets. The Pens will get Letang back today, so getting Malkin back would be an added bonus. He will be a game-time decision after a nine game absence.
Malkin participated in practice this morning and took reps on the Penguins power-play, which is a good sign that he could be available on Sunday. He will likely visit doctors in the morning and a decision will be made shortly after. Monitor his status in the morning as the puck-drops at 1:00 p.m EST.
Malkin was believed to be at least a game-time decision, but he has already been ruled out. Malkin will miss his ninth consecutive game with a leg injury that he suffered on December 14. He does not appear to Jbe too far away from returning to the lineup, so monitor his status following Saturday's morning skate.
Malkin will miss his eighth straight game today but appears close to returning. He took part in the morning skate once again so he is definitely progressing well. Monitor his status prior to Friday's meeting with the Rangers.
Malkin will miss his seventh consecutive game after suffering a leg injury against the Red Wings on December 14. Despite missing one of the NHL's best players the Penguins continue to win with a patchwork AHL lineup plus Sidney Crosby, so they will take things slow with Malkin.
Despite participating in the Penguins morning skate, Malkin will miss his sixth consecutive game. Consider him questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Blue Jackets.
Malkin has missed the last five games with a leg injury that he suffered on December 14. He is not taking part in line rushes which suggests that he won't play tonight despite skating.
