Sprong will play Wednesday in Colorado after serving as a healthy scratch for the last eight games.

EDGE Analysis

The only reason he's playing is because Pascal Dupuis abruptly retired Tuesday and the team is carrying just one extra forward. Sprong, who has scored just two points in 14 games, has played less than 10 minutes in the majority of games and seldomly skated with top-six forwards. Coach Mike Johnston said Tuesday that Sprong paired with fourth-line center, Matt Cullen, in practice.

Sprong did not take part in line rushes during the Pens' morning skate Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

It appears he'll serve as a healthy scratch against Colorado. Sprong has two goals in 14 games but typically plays less than 10 minutes per game. He has plenty of fantasy value in keeper leagues but doesn't see enough opportunity to make much of a difference right now.

Sprong scored the second goal of his nine-game NHL career Friday in Edmonton.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie skated just three third-period shifts and 8:44 of overall ice time but he made the most of his opportunity. Sprong has looked good in a fourth line role, along with Matt Cullen and Sergei Plotnikov. While he might not be a huge fantasy hockey contributor right now, hie could see more chances as the season progresses and his game matures.

Sprong will take the ice Friday against Edmonton, Dhiren Mahiban of The Canadian Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pittsburgh coach Mike Johnston likely circled this game as the perfect opportunity to reenter Sprong into the lineup after making the rookie a healthy scratch for the past two games. Edmonton is a young team built on skill, and lack physicality in most areas of their lineup, meaning the 180 lb. Sprong will have more open ice to work with.

Sprong will serve as a healthy scratch Wednesday against the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

Pittsburgh is healthier than it's been all season long, making opportunities for the 18-year-old sparse. Sprong has scored one goal in eight games for the Pens.

Sprong will only play Wednesday if Chris Kunitz (undisclosed) is unable to go, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sprong is expected to stay with Pittsburgh after he plays nine games, but the team could still send the rookie back to junior hockey if his development is better served there. The forward can skate in 39 games for Pittsburgh before earning a year toward unrestricted free agency.

Sprong will remain in the NHL for the immediate future, Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is big news for Sprong, as once he plays his tenth game of the season, he will burn a year of his entry-level contract. The decision not to return him to his junior team is a vote of confidence from the Penguins, and gives Sprong a further opportunity to put his highly-touted offensive ability on display.

Sprong is expected to serve as a healthy scratch Saturday against the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Mike Johnston gave no indication that this will increase his chances of returning to junior hockey but the Pens have been reluctant to play him. The team will need to make a decision as to his immediate future very soon, as Sprong has played in eight of nine games -- the maximum games limit before tryouts end,

Sprong saw the least amount of ice time (9:30) among Penguins skaters on Wednesday, recording one shot on goal.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie, who played exclusively at even-strength, saw only three shifts in the third period. GM Jim Rutherford recently said the organization is leaning toward keeping Sprong past his nine-game tryout, but opportunities have proved few and far between. The 18-year-old remains the team's brightest offensive prospect but has totaled one goal and 12 shots through seven games.

After missing the last two games, Sprong (visa) is back in the lineup Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

He'll skate at right wing on the third line with Chris Kunitz and Nick Bonino. The two tilts he missed will not count against his nine game tryout.