Penguins News

EASTERN METROPOLITAN

Rickard Rakell • LW • Penguins

Rickard Rakell Out Thursday

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell (lower body) was injured during the morning skate and won't play on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. Penguins head coach Dan Muse labeled Rakell day-to-day, so it appears he'll be fine to play for Team Sweden in the Olympics. Rakell has been quiet lately, but he's been productive overall for the Penguins, recording 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 35 appearances. Rutger McGroarty will replace Rakell on the first line. The Penguins also won't have Blake Lizotte (personal) on Thursday, while Noel Acciari (illness) is a game-time decision.

Feb 5

Bryan Rust • RW • Penguins

Bryan Rust Returns to Penguins Lineup

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (suspension) will be back in action on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. The veteran has completed his three-game suspension and will return to his regular spot on the first line next to Sidney Crosby. Rutger McGroarty will come out of the lineup against the Islanders. Rust was a bit quiet in January, but he's had a good campaign overall. In 47 appearances, the 33-year-old has contributed 18 goals and 27 assists. While Crosby has always enjoyed the matchups with the Islanders, Rust hasn't picked up any points against them in 12 consecutive regular-season outings.

Feb 3

Kris Letang • D • Penguins

Kris Letang Out for Four Weeks

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (foot) has been ruled out for four weeks. The veteran suffered a fractured foot and was placed on Injured Reserve ahead of Saturday's contest against the New York Rangers. It's unfortunate to see Letang dealing with another injury, but at least it came at a good time. Due to the Olympic break, Letang may end up missing only four games. Recently, Letang sat out his first two games of the season due to an upper-body injury. Connor Clifton replaced Letang in the lineup on Saturday, while Ryan Shea joined the second power-play unit.

Jan 31

Kris Letang • D • Penguins

Kris Letang Misses Practice, Uncertain for Saturday

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (undisclosed) didn't practice on Friday and may skip Saturday's matchup against the New York Rangers. The veteran blue-liner recently sat out two games due to an upper-body injury, and it's unclear if he has aggravated the same injury or is dealing with something new. After being limited to 30 points last term, Letang already boasts 25 points (three goals, 22 assists) in 50 contests this season. He ranks second on his team with 64 blocks and fourth with 67 hits. Connor Clifton is set to fill in for Letang if he can't play against the Rangers.

Jan 31

Evgeni Malkin • C • Penguins

Evgeni Malkin Iffy for Saturday

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) sat out Friday's practice, leaving his status for Saturday's tilt against the New York Rangers unclear. Malkin recently missed a month of action due to a shoulder injury, and he appeared to have been hurt in Sunday's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. Yet, the Russian veteran logged his usual minutes on Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. With three goals and three assists in his last four outings, Malkin has been thriving as a winger on the second line. Should he miss Saturday's game, Anthony Mantha may be promoted to the top six.

Jan 31

Evgeni Malkin • C • Penguins

Evgeni Malkin Good to Go Thursday

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Russian star appeared to have been injured in Sunday's win over the Vancouver Canucks, but he won't miss any time. On Sunday, Malkin scored in a third consecutive game. He has tallied 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 10 outings since returning from an upper-body injury. Malkin will remain on the second line against Chicago, while Justin Brazeau will replace Bryan Rust (suspension) on the first line. Rutger McGroarty has been recalled from the minors to join the third line.

Jan 29

Jack St. Ivany • D • Penguins

Jack St. Ivany to Miss Up to Eight Weeks After Surgery

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany (hand) is expected to miss up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery, the team announced. The 26-year-old injured his left hand during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. St. Ivany has suited up in 17 games this season, recording seven assists and 16 shots on goal. Last week, he impressed with back-to-back two-assist games. The Penguins have Connor Clifton and Ilya Solovyov available on the roster as replacements for St. Ivany on the backline.

Jan 28

Bryan Rust • RW • Penguins

Bryan Rust Slapped With Three-Game Suspension

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust has been suspended for three games. The NHL's Department of Player Safety made the announcement on Tuesday following a hearing with Rust, who received his first career suspension for an illegal check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser in Sunday's 3-2 win. Rust is Pittsburgh's third-highest scorer, with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 47 appearances. He will be eligible to return to the lineup on Feb. 3 against the New York Islanders. In the meantime, Justin Brazeau or Ben Kindel may fill in for him in the top six.

Jan 27

Jack St. Ivany • D • Penguins

Jack St. Ivany Exits With Upper-Body Injury Sunday

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany (upper body) exited Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the first period. He saw only 2:54 of ice time before leaving the action due to an upper-body injury. St. Ivany had collected four assists over his last two outings before Sunday's game, providing a creative spark from the blue line while Erik Karlsson (lower body) and Kris Letang (upper body) dealt with injuries. Overall, St. Ivany has contributed seven assists in 17 appearances this season, but he is still searching for his first goal. Connor Clifton or Ilya Solovyov will come into the lineup if St. Ivany is ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Jan 26

Evgeni Malkin • C • Penguins

Evgeni Malkin Suffers Apparent Injury in Sunday's Win

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) appeared to have gotten hurt during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He was seen grabbing his shoulder on the bench as the Penguins celebrated their win at the end of the game. Malkin scored Pittsburgh's first goal on Sunday and has looked fantastic since returning from an upper-body injury. Across his last 10 appearances, Malkin has produced five goals and six assists. He is averaging over a point per game for the season, with 13 goals and 27 assists in 40 outings. We should know more about what happened to Malkin before Thursday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Jan 26

Kris Letang • D • Penguins

Kris Letang Expected to Return Sunday

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (upper body) is poised to return to action on Sunday night against the Vancouver Canucks. The Penguins have been without Letang for two games after he suffered an upper-body injury. Erik Karlsson also recently returned to the lineup, giving Pittsburgh two top options in defense. With Karlsson back in action, Letang must settle for a spot on the second power-play unit. He will skate with Brett Kulak on the second defensive pairing during even-strength action. Letang recently had his fourth three-game assist streak of the season, boosting his points tally to 25. He has contributed three goals and 22 assists in 48 appearances.

Jan 25

Anthony Mantha • RW • Penguins

Anthony Mantha Scores Twice Against Oilers

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Anthony Mantha scored two goals in Thursday's 6-2 road win over the Edmonton Oilers. He provided the goals in the span of 22 seconds early in the first period. Sidney Crosby quickly added another one, giving Pittsburgh three goals inside 37 seconds against the team's former goalie, Tristan Jarry. These were Mantha's first goals since the turn of the year. He has struggled in front of the net after wrapping up 2025 with a three-game goal streak. Still, it has been a good campaign for Mantha, who sits on 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) through 50 appearances. Should he maintain his current scoring rate, the 31-year-old would get to celebrate a new career high at the end of the season.

Jan 23

Kris Letang • D • Penguins

Kris Letang Questionable Thursday

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (upper body) is questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Edmonton Oilers. He is dealing with an upper-body injury and missed Wednesday's win over the Calgary Flames after being a game-time decision. Jack St. Ivany came into the lineup and impressed with two assists in a 4-1 win. Ryan Shea, who took Letang's spot on the first power-play unit, made an impact as well with one assist. Brett Kulak also saw power-play time, while Parker Wotherspoon led the blue line in ice time with 22:14. The entire defensive unit must step up again on Thursday night if Letang remains out. Pittsburgh's defense has also recently operated without Erik Karlsson (lower body), who missed a fifth consecutive game on Wednesday.

Jan 22

Evgeni Malkin • C • Penguins

Evgeni Malkin Collects Two Points in Win Over Flames

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was in top form on Wednesday night against the Calgary Flames, recording a goal and an assist in a 4-1 road victory. Malkin opened the scoring in the first period and helped Egor Chinakhov tally the game-winning goal in the second. Since returning from an upper-body injury earlier this month, Malkin has contributed three goals and five assists in eight appearances. He has been a point-per-game player all season, bagging 11 goals and 26 assists in 34 outings. Malkin's hot form also boosts the fantasy value of his linemates. Tommy Novak is currently skating with Malkin and Chinakhov.

Jan 22

Kris Letang • D • Penguins

Kris Letang a Game-Time Call Wednesday

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (upper body) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's contest against the Calgary Flames. He missed practice on Tuesday and could also sit out at least one game. Pittsburgh will remain without Erik Karlsson (lower body) on Wednesday, so having Letang available on defense would be crucial. Due to Karlsson's absence, Letang has recently seen more power-play time. In 10 January outings, Letang has produced one goal and five assists. Overall, he has managed 25 points (three goals, 22 assists) in 48 games. If Letang doesn't play on Wednesday, the Penguins could use Brett Kulak on the top power-play unit.

Jan 22

Bryan Rust • RW • Penguins

Bryan Rust Returns to Action Tuesday

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (lower body) will return from a two-game absence on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The veteran forward has shaken off a lower-body injury and will return to his normal role on the top line. Tommy Novak will drop down to the second. While Rust has finished scoreless in each of his last two appearances, he is still close to averaging a point per game. In 40 outings, Rust has managed 16 goals and 20 assists. He has gone without a point in three consecutive games only twice this season.

Jan 13

Erik Karlsson • D • Penguins

Penguins Place Erik Karlsson on Injured Reserve

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve on Tuesday. The team plans to re-evaluate the three-time Vezina Trophy winner in two weeks. Karlsson has recorded 33 points (four goals, 29 assists), 94 shots, and 40 blocks with a minus-one rating in 44 appearances this season. Jack St. Ivany is projected to replace Karlsson in the lineup on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, although the team also recalled Ryan Greaves from the minors for added defensive depth. With Karlsson out, Kris Letang will move to the first power-play unit, giving him extra fantasy value.

Jan 13

Bryan Rust • RW • Penguins

Bryan Rust Remains Out Sunday

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (lower body) will miss a second consecutive game on Sunday against the Boston Bruins. The veteran forward is considered day-to-day and will get his next opportunity to return on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With Rust out, Tommy Novak has joined Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell on the first line. The 28-year-old has notched 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 43 appearances this season.

Jan 11

Evgeni Malkin • C • Penguins

Evgeni Malkin Set to Return Thursday

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to return from a 15-game absence on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. Malkin's return will be an additional boost to an improving Penguins team that has reignited its playoff hopes with a five-game winning streak. He is expected to make his comeback as the left winger on the second line, having skated there during Wednesday's practice. Ben Kindel and Yegor Chinakhov will join Malkin on the line. Malkin has been a point-per-game player in 2025-26, notching eight goals and 21 assists in 26 appearances.

Jan 8

Rutger McGroarty • C • Penguins

Rutger McGroarty Out Indefinitely With Concussion

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rutger McGroarty (concussion) will be out indefinitely after being hurt at Tuesday's practice. The 21-year-old was involved in a collision with a teammate and has been diagnosed with a concussion. The Penguins placed McGroarty on Injured Reserve. McGroarty entered the lineup in December and has posted three points (two goals, one assist) in 16 appearances. At the beginning of the campaign, he missed time due to an upper-body injury. Evgeni Malkin (upper body) has resumed full practice and could grab McGroarty's spot in the lineup on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.

Jan 7

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