Smith has missed the Penguins' previous six games due to an upper-body injury but will be a game-time decision on Tuesday vs. Winnipeg as he looks ready to return. The 32-year-old right-winger is in his first season with Pittsburgh after being acquired from Vegas for a 2024 third-round pick in the offseason. He is having a down year by his personal standards having only collected 20 points (8G/12A) in his first 40 games.
Chytil scarily went down earlier in the week in the first skate upon his return from an upper-body injury and has announced through social media Sunday that he is going to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season. The 24-year-old's announcement comes as a big disappointment after he produced a 22 goal, 45 point season as a 23-year-old in 2022-23.
Chytil has been limited to 10 games this season, last playing on November 2nd when he exited the game with a concussion. Before his injury, Chytil was playing almost exclusively on a line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere. His most recent setback is devasting news as he was seemingly making progress towards a return.
Bonino will report to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL after clearing waivers on Friday. The 35-year-old Bonino was averaging 12:15 time-on-ice this season and had been held off the scoresheet in 14 straight games.
Shesterkin will return to the crease for the Rangers on Friday evening in a matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. Shesterkin allowed three goals on 22 shots (.864 SV%) in a disappointing 3-2 overtime loss to the bottom-dwelling San Jose Sharks in his last outing. Shesterkin's reputation as an elite goaltender has not held up this season, especially lately, allowing four or more goals in four of his last nine games (4-4-1), posting an ugly .870 SV%. That said, the Rangers are -155 home favourites against a Golden Knights club with points in five straight (4-0-1).
Groulx will be the odd-man out on Thursday as Ross Johnston draws back in. Groulx is yet to register a goal in 27 games this season.
Chytil has been limited to 10 games this season, last playing on November 2nd when he exited the game with an upper-body injury. Before his injury, Chytil was playing almost exclusively on a line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere.
Bonino is unlikely to play on Friday after missing practice on Thursday due to personal reasons. The 35-year-old Bonino is averaging 12:15 time-on-ice this season and has been held off the scoresheet in 14 straight games.
Leschyshyn had four goals, three assists, and 10 PIMs in 16 games with Hartford (AHL) this season and has earned his second call up of the year to the Rangers on Wednesday. Leschyshyn appeared in one game previously this season for the Rangers on the 11th of January and was a -1 plus/minus across 10 shifts and only 6:28 TOI. He's played 77 career NHL games in four seasons.
