Penguins release encouraging update on Jake Guentzel

The Pittsburgh Penguins are attempting to give it one last go with the famed trio of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang in their lineup despite having missed the playoffs last season for the first time since Crosby's rookie campaign of 2005-06. The acquisition of Norris Trophy winning defenseman Erik Karlsson along with Stanley Cup champion Reilly Smith have paced new President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas' early tenure with the team.

However, they were dealt a blow during the offseason when it was announced that forward Jake Guentzel, one of Pittsburgh's top offensive threats, went under the knife on August 4 for right ankle surgery. 

The good news is that his recovery is progressing nicely, and he even made an appearance on the ice wearing a white no-contact jersey in Halifax, Nova Scotia before the rest of his teammates take on the Ottawa Senators in preseason action. 

"He's progressing. We're real encouraged with how far he's come," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "I thought he looked really good. We'll see where he goes."

Guentzel, who usually plays alongside captain Sidney Crosby, led the Penguins with 36 goals last season.

"He's been skating for a bit. Sounds like things are going well," Crosby said. "Anytime you see a guy join the group, usually that's a good sign. Happy to see him back out there with us."

The Penguins will open the regular season on Tuesday, October 10 against Round 1 first overall selection Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks at PPG Paints Arena. 

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