Aston-Reese was absent from Tuesday’s practice session but the Penguins expect him to be in the lineup vs. the Blues. Aston-Reese has just four goals and three assists (seven points) in 27 games this season.

Aston-Reese spent most of the 2018-19 season with the Penguins, where he had eight goals and nine assists (17 points) in 43 games. The 24-year-old posted ridiculous numbers at Northeastern University and solid AHL numbers but will be limited by his bottom-6 role with the Penguins.

Aston-Reese missed the last 12 games of the regular seasons but skated as an extra in Tuesday’s practice but remains a game-time decision for Game 1. Aston-Reese had eight goals and nine assists (17 points) in 43 games this season.

Aston-Reese will not play on Tuesday with what is believed to be a hip issue. Teddy Blueger will move up and skate on the second-line with a Joseph Blandisi replacing him on the fourth-line.

Aston-Reese departed Sunday’s game with a hip injury after playing 8:25 TOI but it is believed that the injury “isn’t real serious.” Aston-Reese has been playing well in an elevated role, picking up six points (2G / 4A) while averaging 14:21 TOI/gp in his last 13 games.

Aston-Reese has been out since January 8th but skated on the Penguins fourth-line and second power-play unit in Wednesday’s morning skate. Aston-Reese is expected to replace Dominik Simon in the lineup vs. the Oilers.

Aston-Reese was presumably hurt during a fight with Colton Sceviour on Tuesday and will miss at least a week of time after landing on IR. The Penguins recalled Garrett Wilson from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) to take his roster spot.

Aston-Reese was scratched from Tuesday’s lineup despite taking part in the morning skate. Aston-Reese will miss an extended period of time, but that’s not a big hit to the Penguins lineup with Tom Kuhnhackl returning last night.