Guentzel skated as a right winger on Sidney Crosby's line Friday in practice, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie will likely see time on the top line Saturday with Bryan Rust (arm) ruled out. Guentzel has looked good with Phil Kessel and Nick Bonino in recent games. In fact, he's logged more ice time in the last two games, respectively, than ever before -- an indication he's gaining coach Mike Sullivan's trust. Playing with Crosby hasn't always proven to be easy, but it will be interesting to see what the forward can do with the opportunity.

Guentzel scored his fifth goal of the season in a 3-2 shootout loss to Calgary on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

His slap shot with less than five minutes remaining in regulation sent the game into overtime. Guentzel has points in two of three games and looked good after a four-game pointless stretch. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh deploys him when Evgeni Malkin returns -- something that could happen as soon as Thursday or Saturday -- but the rookie played well in spurts on Malkin's line earlier in January.

Guentzel tallied an assist and registered a plus-1 rating in Friday's win against the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

He also dished out four hits and blocked two shots. With the helper, Guentzel snapped a four-game pointless slide. The rookie played a strong game and showed chemistry with Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel. He totaled the fifth-highest ice time (16:51) among Penguins forwards, an indication of coach Mike Sullivan's current confidence in his play.

Guentzel was held pointless with one hit and no shots on goal in Thursday's loss to the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

He collected points in each of his first three games following his recall from the AHL, but has now gone three games without a point. Guentzel served as Pittsburgh's second line center Thursday with Evgeni Malkin (knee) sidelined and looked a little bit overmatched. He won four of seven faceoffs but was beaten badly on a draw that set up Boston's second goal. At this stage of his career, he's probably better as a complementary winger to Malkin than as a centerman. The Pens are expected to update Malkin's status following the All-Star break.

Guentzel scored a second-period goal and threw six hits through 15:30 of ice time during Wednesday's win over Montreal.

EDGE Analysis

Guentzel is currently pacing the AHL with 21 goals, and is now up to four tallies and six points through seven games with the Penguins. Most encouraging, though, is the 22-year-old rookie has been seeing regular duty alongside Evgeni Malkin through his latest two games. In deep leagues, Guentzel is an immediate grab, but he's worth a look in some shallower settings, too. Additionally, he's an excellent source of cap relief in daily contests until he price catches up with his production and role.

Guentzel was promoted from the minors Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Guentzel made his NHL debut earlier this year in spectacular fashion -- two goals in his first game -- should provide some additional forward depth. Whether the center cracks the lineup Monday against Washington remains to be seen. With the Baby Pens, the 22-year-old leads the AHL in goals at 21 and is second in points. Pittsburgh's depth at the center position may prevent Guentzel from securing consistent ice time this year, but given his proven ability to score, it seems likely the organization will want to work him into the regular lineup sooner rather than later.

Guentzel leads the AHL with 14 goals despite playing in only 23 games.

EDGE Analysis

The forward also ranks second in the league with a plus-16 rating. Earlier in the season Guentzel scored three goals and added an assist in five games during a short trial with Pittsburgh. He'll likely need to wait for injuries to strike the big club before getting another NHL shot.

Guentzel was reassigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Guentzel kicked off his career with a flash, scoring two goals in his first NHL contest. The 22-year-old followed that performance up with two point in his next four outings, before being a healthy scratch for the Pens' last three matchups. For an organization that prides itself on developing talent, it should come as no surprise that they would opt to send Guentzel back to the AHL where he can get consistent play time rather than watching games from the press box.

Guentzel will serve as a healthy scratch Saturday against the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Chris Kunitz's return to the lineup Saturday makes it even more difficult finding playing time for Guentzel. Unless injuries strike, it wouldn't be surprising to see Pittsburgh send the rookie back to the Baby Penguins in the near future.

Guentzel served as a healthy scratch Thursday against the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Mike Sullivan dressed Scott Wilson over Guentzel and will likely continue to mix and match with the two youngsters. Chris Kunitz (lower body) is also expected back as soon as Saturday, making Guentzel's path to playing time that much more difficult. The rookie has done well in limited action, netting three goals and and an assist in five games.