Important Penguins injury updates emerge on Rickard Rakell, Justin Brazeau and two more

Rickard Rakell was expected to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his left hand near the end of October. The winger was injured when a shot hit him late in a loss to Columbus.

Prior to the injury, he was having a relatively steady run of production with three goals and five assists in nine games, building off last season's career year that saw him reach 35 goals and 70 points.

Justin Brazeau was also out of action, at least four weeks, because of an upper-body injury. He last played a few weeks ago vs. Minnesota, where he logged just over 14 minutes.

The 6-foot-6 winger had been a strong fit on the second line, opening the season with six goals and 12 points in 12 games.

Noel Acciari remains out about three weeks after exiting a game in Toronto early. The veteran centre had three assists and a plus-3 rating through 13 games while anchoring the bottom six.

Filip Hallander continues to work his way back in after an early-November diagnosis of a blood clot, initially believed to be an issue that could keep him out for at least three months.

The 24-year-old had earned some brief top-line looks alongside Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust before the diagnosis and is rehabbing in Pittsburgh with the team and UPMC staff.

In a welcome sign, all four of these injured players were spotted skating again during the team's morning session today. None are ready for full contact, but their presence on the ice marks a step forward in their recoveries.

Through this stretch, the Penguins have leaned on depth, and a return of any of these pieces would mark a timely boost as the schedule tightens.