Pittsburgh Penguins News

As hinted to on Wednesday, Dumba will return from a three-game absence on Thursday. The Wild managed to go 2-1-0 without Dumba but he'll provide a massive lift to their blueline vs. St. Louis. Dumba has been relatively quiet as of late but has accumulated 11 points (5G / 6A) in 26 games so far this season.

Dumba will miss his third straight game with a lower-body injury but the Wild said he may play Thursday. Brad Hunt will remain in the lineup and is expected to be on the top power-play unit.

Heinen was one of four Ducks' players that was added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Tuesday, putting Wednesday's game in jeopardy. With Heinen likely unavailable vs. the Wild, look for Max Comtois to draw back into the lineup.

Dumba left Thursday's game with a lower-body injury when he fell awkwardly into the boards. With Dumba expected to miss Saturday's game, he will likely be replaced by Carson Soucy, who missed yesterday's game due to a one-game suspension.

The Penguins said that Malkin is still being evaluated and will not play on Thursday. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that he hopes to have more information on Malkin in the next day or so, so it sounds like he could miss some time.

Bemstrom was hurt in Wednesday's practice and was placed on IR on Thursday, meaning he'll miss at least seven days. Mikhail Grigorenko will replace him in the Blue Jackets' bottom-6.

Malkin's injury comes on the heels of Teddy Blueger being sidelined "longer-term," so the Penguins centre depth will be put to the test if Malkin can't go Thursday. Luckily, Jared McCann, who is a natural centre but has played some wing this season, could be back in New Jersey.

Ouellet was recalled from Laval (AHL) and will make his season debut on Monday. Ouellet will replace Victor Mete, who was replacing Ben Chiarot (hand) for the last two games.

Jones was a healthy scratch on Wednesday but will replace Kris Russell in the lineup on Friday. Jones has just one assist in 14 games so far this season.