Zucker (lower body) will return to the lineup Saturday versus Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker is expected to slot into a second-line role and a spot on the No. 2 power-play unit following his three-game absence. The 30-year-old winger has been limited to just 32 games this season due to injury, picking up 14 points over that span.

Zucker (lower body) will not play versus the Rangers on Thursday, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite traveling with the team and practicing in a second-line role, Zucker will miss his third straight game due to his lower-body issue. Until the 30-year-old winger can retake his spot in the lineup, the Penguins will likely continue to utilize Jeff Carter on the wing alongside Evgeni Malkin, though Evan Rodrigues and Kasperi Kapanen could both be candidates for that spot.

Zucker (lower body) will travel with the Penguins ahead of their game Thursday versus the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker was injured last Thursday versus the Wild and has already missed two contests, but his presence on the road trip indicates he's nearing a return. The initial thought was that the winger could be out for a while after being unable to put weight on his leg when he was hurt, but he's been able to practice in the last couple of days. Zucker's status will likely be determined based on if he participates in Thursday's morning skate, though he could still be labeled a game-time decision.

Zucker (lower body) is still without a clear recovery timeline and won't be available against Colorado on Tuesday. Coach Mike Sullivan told reporters, "Our doctors are continuing to consult with one another, but having said that, his response over the last few days has been encouraging. He has been on the ice the past few days... We still don't have definitive answers from our medical staff."

EDGE Analysis

It's certainly not a ringing endorsement for Zucker to get back into the lineup any time soon, especially considering the team isn't able to provide any specifics. Sullivan also declined to answer whether Zucker's current issue is related to the core muscle surgery that previously sidelined him for 37 games. In the meantime, the Penguins have shifted Jeff Carter to the wing on the second line while Teddy Blueger takes over as the third-line center.

The Penguins weren't able to provide an update on Zucker (lower body), who will miss Saturday's game versus Colorado at a minimum, Dave Molinari of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It appears Zucker, who's missed 37 of Pittsburgh's last 39 games, may once again be facing a long-term absence. Another update on the 30-year-old winger's condition should surface once the Penguins return home prior to Tuesday's rematch with the Avalanche.

Zucker was unable to put any weight on his right leg after a collision along the boards in Thursday's game versus the Wild. Head coach Mike Sullivan had no update on his status after the game, Jessi Pierce of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker was making his return from a core muscle injury that has bothered him for much of the season. This isn't an aggravation of that injury -- he was on the receiving end of a hit and needed help off the ice. He did pick up an assist in 5:33 of ice time, but he'll likely need further evaluation to determine his recovery timeline going forward.

Zucker (lower body) will be in the lineup versus the Wild on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

It will be Zucker's first return to Minnesota after being traded to the Penguins in February of 2020. Injuries have limited the 30-year-old winger to just 31 games this season in which he generated six goals and seven helpers. It will be a new-look second line for the Penguins as Zucker will link up with Evgeni Malkin and deadline acquisition Rickard Rakell.

Zucker (lower body) will be a game-time call ahead of Thursday's clash with Minnesota, Mike DeFabo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker lined up alongside Evgeni Malkin and Ricard Rakell at practice Wednesday and seems poised to jump right into a top-six role. Injuries have limited the 30-year-old winger to just 31 contests this year in which he recorded six goals and seven assists. If Zucker does return to action versus the Wild, he should be a decent mid-range fantasy target given his dynamic linemates.

Zucker (lower body) has been cleared for contact and could be an option against Minnesota on Thursday, Seth Rorabaugh of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It would certainly be a well-timed return for Zucker who spent nine years playing for the Wild. How the winger fits into the Penguins' lineup whenever he is cleared to play remains to be seen but the addition of Rickard Rakell at the trade deadline will likely result in Zucker taking on a bottom-six role.

Zucker (lower body) took the ice with his teammates Friday for the first time since suffering his lower-body injury, albeit in a non-contact sweater, Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker has appeared in just one game since the calendar flipped to 2022, missing 33 of the club's 34 contests. With the Pens acquisition of Richard Rakell at the deadline, the 30-year-old Zucker may find himself dropped to the third line whenever cleared to return, though that would still have him playing with veteran Jeff Carter.