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Latest practice update offers news on Evgeni Malkin's return to action
Photo credit: Edit from PensBurgh
For the first time since suffering his injury, Evgeni Malkin was seen practising in a regular contact jersey, a clear sign he is close to a return to action.
The Penguins' centerman, Evgeni Malkin, made great progress towards returning, as he practiced in a regular contact jersey today, while it's been close to a month since he was injured.
What head coach Dan Muse said about Evgeni Malkin's progress last week
He is definitely close to getting back on ice, although head coach Dan Muse's latest update a few days ago said Malkin was week-to-week.
Before the injury, the 39-year-old was off to a strong start, having registered eight goals and 21 assists in 26 games. Despite sitting out the last 13 games, he is still the fourth leading scorer among the Penguins.
Malkin is in the final year of a contract with a $6.1 million cap hit and has been a Penguin all 20 years of his NHL playing career.
Why the Penguins could consider trading Evgeni Malkin
While a veteran like Malkin can be a cornerstone player, if the Penguins are no longer in the mix for the playoffs and he wants a change, he could be an attractive piece on the market.
For now, the main concern is getting him healthy again. It is a relief to see Malkin participate in contact drills on the ice, which is a reassuring sign for Penguin fans, who are eager to see Malkin again.
The Penguins don't play their next game until Thursday, when they take on the New Jersey Devils at home at PPG Paints Arena at 7 PM ET.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 6 | 130 ANSWERS Latest practice update offers news on Evgeni Malkin's return to action Will Evgeni Malkin return to action within the next week? | ||
| Yes | 118 | 90.8 % |
| No | 12 | 9.2 % |
| List of polls | ||