Friedman scored the game-winning goal in Friday's 5-2 win over the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

For a defenseman with zero goals in 17 games this season and only two in his NHL career prior to Friday, Friedman looked like a born sniper early in the third period, taking a feed from Brian Boyle and snapping it into the top corner from the faceoff circle to the left of Laurent Brossoit. Despite the heroics, Friedman could find himself back in the press box once Brian Dumoulin (illness) is ready to return.

Friedman took the ice for warmups Thursday, indicating he's returned from a conditioning assignment, Mike DeFabo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Friedman spent the last couple of days with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to get in some game action. He's expected to resume his role as the Penguins' seventh defenseman now that he's back with the big club.

Friedman was sent down to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning assignment Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Friedman has appeared in just one contest since mid-November, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see the organization trying to get him into some game action. The blueliner figures to play for the Baby Pens on Tuesday and Wednesday and then will almost certainly be brought back up to the NHL before Thursday's clash with New Jersey.

Friedman (lower body) will play Thursday versus the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Friedman appeared to get hurt late in Tuesday's game versus the Blackhawks, but it's not enough to force him to miss time. He'll play on the bottom pairing while Pierre-Olivier Joseph exits the lineup with Marcus Pettersson and Chad Ruhwedel both back from COVID-19 protocols.

Friedman (lower body) struggled to get off the ice after blocking a shot in the third period of Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Blackhawks, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Friedman didn't return to the game after the shot block, but it's unclear if that was due to injury or his status as a bottom-pairing defenseman in a close game. The 25-year-old logged an assist, three hits and two PIM in 9:52 of ice time prior to his exit. More should be be known about the blueliner's status ahead of Thursday's game against the Panthers.

Friedman (lower body) will be available for Saturday's game versus the Maple Leafs, Mike DeFabo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Friedman is expected to skate on the Penguins' third pairing and second power-play unit against Toronto. The 25-year-old blueliner has picked up one assist through three games this season.

Friedman (lower body) won't play Tuesday versus the Stars, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Friedman was injured in practice Monday, and he wasn't able to get fit in time to play a day later. The 25-year-old's absence gives Mike Matheson and Chad Ruhwedel to serve as the third pairing. The Penguins' next game is Saturday, so Friedman is likely questionable for that contest.

Friedman exited Monday's practice early with a lower-body injury, Wes Crosby of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

While coach Mike Sullivan didn't seem concerned about Friedman's injury, it will certainly be something for fantasy players to monitor ahead of Tuesday's clash with Dallas. Even if cleared to play, Friedman may still have to watch from the press box versus the Stars if Mike Matheson (lower body) is given the green light o make his season debut.

Friedman was fined $1,812.50 on Sunday for spearing Columbus' Sean Kuraly on Saturday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Friedman has managed just four points in 16 NHL contests since 2018-19, so he's not much of a fantasy asset at this point in his career. He's likely to spend a significant chunk of time with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season.

Friedman (knee) will be in the lineup for Thursday's preseason clash with Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Friedman was limited to just five games with the Penguins last year in which he generated two goals, one assist and six shots on goal. Heading into the season opener versus the Lightning on Tuesday, Friedman may not be able to break into the lineup and may need to settle for a spot in the press box as a healthy scratch.