Injured Penguins Veteran Forward Back on the Ice With Young Teammates

Penguins veteran winger Kevin Hayes will be absent for the initial start of the season. Pittsburgh coach Dan Muse indicated Hayes injured his upper body and won't play.

Hayes departed practice on September 18 after being struck by fellow teammate Ryan Graves. Muse's comments mean Hayes won't be there when the Penguins take to the ice on opening night.

Hayes had played 64 games the year before with Pittsburgh and had 13 goals, 10 assists, and 23 points, although he had a minus-15 rating.

Hayes spent five years with the Rangers before the trade to Pittsburgh and had 87 goals and 129 assists for 216 points in 361 games. He was also traded in his career to the Winnipeg Jets at the 2019 trade deadline.

There's at least a positive note for the Penguins: Hayes was at least able to get on the ice, even if just in a limited role.

He skated recently with injured prospects Peyton Kettles and Bill Zonon, indicating that although he's not close to being ready for games yet, he is making progress in his rehabilitation along with some of their other young prospects.

That initial skating is a plus for the player and the team alike. The team's top prospect, Rutger McGroarty, was also spotted on the ice skating, which is another good sign for the team.

Despite the setback from the injuries, the Penguins will find some solace in the fact that Hayes and the other players are still in the mix and starting to get going again.

Hayes' depth and experience will pay dividends down the line, and the club will hope he returns sooner rather than later.