Letang will be on blood-thinners for another three weeks, is restricted to light exercise, and is counting on medical evidence that those who suffer strokes at such a young age can resume professional sports careers. Doctors have told Letang there is no reason he cannot resume his hockey career, but they cannot tell him when. “I’m targeting it day-by-day,” he said. “I’m trying to improve every day I come [to the rink]. I try to exercise the best I can. I see doctors pretty much every week, twice a week to get better. So we’ll go from there.”

The condition is treatable with blood thinners and at this point is not believed to be career threatening. Further testing also revealed that Letang, 26, has had a very small hole in the wall of his heart since birth. This small defect in the wall is present in all individuals before birth but seals shut in most people. It is possible that the hole in the heart led to the stroke. “The most important thing right now, of course, is Kris’ health,” GM Ray Shero said. “We’re not thinking about hockey right now. We want to make sure he gets the best possible care and gets better. After six weeks of treatment, doctors will re-evaluate Kris.”

The reports on Letang's illness have been extremely vague. There is no word on what kind of illness he is dealing with, but he will miss his fourth straight game tomorrow.

Letang will miss his third straight game and will go for further evaluations. Pens head coach Dan Bylsma is not sure whether or not Letang is fighting a serious illness. We should no more after Letang gets more tests done.

Letang has missed the last two games with an illness and his absence this morning suggests that he will not be available for tonight's game either. We will get an update following the skate.

Letang will miss his second consecutive game tonight. He was listed as doubtful so this is not really a surprise. Monitor his status prior to Monday's contest.

Robert Bortuzzo will slide into the lineup with Letang scratched. The Penguins say they will provide an update following tonight's game.

Dumba's demotion will allow him to develop at further at the junior level. He did not exactly dominate the World Junior Championships, so his return to the WHL is likely a good idea for the 19-year-old's development into an everyday NHL defenseman.

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.

Letang missed the last 10 games with an elbow infection. He was out a little longer than expected, but it is great the Penguins to get their premiere defenseman back today. It has been a troubling year for Letang. He has been battling injuries and has tallied only 11 points (6G / 5A) with a minus-6 rating in 24 games. Expect him to play 20-plus minutes and see tons of power-play time in his return.

Letang was practicing today and took reps with the Penguins top power-play unit which is a positive sign that he could make his return tomorrow. The game starts at one so he will likely be re-evaluated in the morning and head coach Dan Bylsma will address the media a few hours before puck-drop.

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.

The Penguins start 2014 with some great news. Letang has missed the last nine games but his return to practice is a great sign that he is nearing a return from his elbow infection. The Penguins are in action on Friday, monitor Letang's status.

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.

Malkin will miss his fifth straight game with a leg injury that he suffered on December 14 in Detroit. With the three-day Christmas break on the horizon it is not a surprise to see Malkin sitting out tonight. Consider him day-to-day.