Zucker (lower body) was placed on long-term injured reserve Tuesday, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

This isn't likely to impact Zucker's return timeline -- instead, the Penguins made this move to account for the salary cap implications of Evgeni Malkin's (knee) return. Zucker initially landed on injured reserve Dec. 28, so he is unlikely to be available prior to Jan. 21 versus the Blue Jackets.

Zucker (lower body) took the ice in a non-contact sweater Tuesday. Coach Mike Sullivan told reporters, "He's making progress. He's going through a rehab process that entails some days on the ice and some days off the ice. His status hasn't changed."

EDGE Analysis

While it's certainly a step in the right direction to see Zucker skating with the team, Sullivan's comments are far from encouraging for the winger to return to play anytime soon. With Danton Heinen and Zach Aston-Reese entering the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, the Pens could use Zucker back sooner rather than later.

Zucker (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Seth Rorabaugh of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker was already considered week-to-week, so this likely won't affect his timetable to return. The 29-year-old winger has just 11 points through 30 games this season. He'll miss at least Sunday's game against the Sharks.

Zucker is dealing with a lower-body injury and was labeled week-to-week recently by coach Mike Sullivan, who told reporters, "He's been dealing with a nagging injury in his lower body. We'll update you as we go," per Pens Inside Scoop.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to the Christmas break, Zucker had been playing despite skipping most practice sessions for what the team classified as maintenance. The decision to shelve Zucker could be an indication both Bryan Rust (lower body) and Evgeni Malkin (knee) are nearing their respective returns to action. If Pittsburgh needs the roster spot to activate one of the aforementioned forward, Zucker could wind up on injured reserve in the coming days.

Zucker notched an assist and two PIM in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker helped out on Danton Heinen's second-period goal. This was just the second assist in eight December games for Zucker, who is in the midst of a 12-game goal drought. The 29-year-old winger has struggled with 11 points, 81 shots on net, 48 hits and a plus-1 rating through 30 contests overall.

Zucker posted an assist, two shots on net, three hits and a plus-3 rating in Monday's 6-1 win over the Kraken.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker snapped a six-game point drought with the secondary assist on Jeff Carter's opening tally. Through 25 contests this year, Zucker's offense has been rather inconsistent. The winger is up to four goals, six helpers, 70 shots on net, 39 hits and an even plus-minus rating while playing in a middle-six role.

Zucker scored a goal on three shots in Monday's 3-1 win over the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker tallied at 14:29 of the second period to tie the game at 1-1. The 29-year-old has points in consecutive contests for the third time this season, though he hasn't build up a three-game streak yet. Zucker is up to four goals, five helpers, 52 shots, 29 hits and a minus-1 rating in 18 appearances, playing a supporting role in the offense.

Zucker scored a power-play goal in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

He spoiled Andrei Vasilevskiy's shutout bid with 2:17 left in the third period, stealing the puck just inside the Tampa blue line and passing it off to Jake Guentzel before banging home the rebound on Guentzel's shot. Zucker has lit the lamp in three of the last four games and has four points (three goals, one assist) in six contests to begin the season, an impressive showing considering he's done it without any help yet from Sidney Crosby (wrist) or Evgeni Malkin (knee).

Zucker scored a goal on five shots and had a plus-3 rating Saturday in a 7-1 win over Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker gave the Penguins a 3-1 lead less than two minutes into the second period, snapping one from above the left circle that found its way past Toronto netminder Jack Campbell. It was the second goal of the year for Zucker, who produced a season high for shots. He has three points through the first five games of 2021-22.

Zucker scored a goal on four shots and added three hits Saturday in a 5-2 victory over Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Zucker potted his first goal of the year, depositing a loose puck during a delayed penalty to give the Penguins a 5-1 cushion late in the second period. The 29-year-old has two points and 15 shots through the first three games of the season.