Nieto logged an assist and four hits in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto has a helper in back-to-back contests after snapping a four-game slump. The 32-year-old winger continues to play in a bottom-six role, and he's been finding modest success there. Overall, he has just three points through 16 outings, but he's added 13 shots on net, 20 hits, 12 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating. He's not a factor in fantasy for most formats, but he should be a regular presence in the Penguins' lineup.

Nieto notched a power-play assist in Monday's 7-3 win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto sees almost no power-play time -- he was on the ice in that situation late Monday since the score was lopsided. With two points over his last six games, Nieto's finding a little more offense but remains on the fourth line with little chance of moving up. Overall, the 32-year-old has two points, 13 shots on net, 16 hits, 11 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating over 15 appearances.

Nieto scored a goal and went plus-2 in Thursday's 9-2 win over the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto had been scratched for the previous three games. He opened the season scoreless over nine outings before breaking through in Game No. 10 with his first tally of the season. The 32-year-old is mostly a defensive forward and figures to spend the bulk of his playing time on the fourth line. He has added 10 shots on net, seven hits, seven blocked shots and a minus-4 rating this season.

Nieto (knee) was taken off injured reserve and will be in action against the Blue Jackets on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto will play in an NHL game for the first time in nearly a year, having last suited up versus the Lightning on Nov. 30, 2023. The winger has never reached the 30-point threshold in his career but should still be capable of putting up 20-plus points in a bottom-six role now that his knee injury is finally behind him. Once Kevin Hayes (upper body) and Cody Glass (concussion) are cleared to play, minutes could be harder to come by for Nieto, though he should be in the lineup more often than not.

Nieto (knee) was recalled from his conditioning assignment Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto remains on injured reserve but could be trending in the right direction toward a return to action versus the Blue Jackets on Friday. During his two-game stint in the minors, the forward recorded one goal and a plus-2 rating for the Baby Pens. Once given the all-clear, Nieto should be in the mix for a bottom-six role, which could relegate Jesse Puljujarvi or Valtteri Puustinen to a spot in the press box.

Nieto (knee) was sent to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning loan Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

It's a significant step for Nieto in his return following offseason knee surgery. The veteran winger played 22 games with the Penguins last year, logging one goal and four points.

Nieto (knee) was a full-contact participant at practice Monday, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto has been skating with the team for a while but appears to have upped his participation level Monday. Given the long-term nature of the 31-year-old forward's knee injury, he probably shouldn't be expected to immediately jump into the lineup versus the Islanders on Tuesday. Once given the all-clear, Nieto will have to be activated off long-term injured reserve, a move that will likely send Valtteri Puustinen down to the minors.

Nieto (knee) is considered to be month-to-month, per Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto is likely to begin the season on the long-term injured reserve list but that hasn't officially happened yet. He had a goal and four points in 22 contests with the Penguins in 2023-24. When he's healthy, Nieto will probably serve in a bottom-six capacity.

Nieto underwent reconstructive MCL surgery on his left knee surgery May 2, the team announced Wednesday. He's expected to require six-to-seven months to recover.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto last played Nov. 30, 2023 and underwent laparoscopic surgery on his right knee back in January. His new timetable suggests that he won't return until November at the earliest. Nieto should be in the mix for a bottom-six role once he's healthy.

Nieto (knee) sustained an undisclosed injury while rehabbing from his knee surgery. The center could find himself heading back under the knife ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto was limited to a mere 22 appearances this season in which he tallied a meager five points. At this point, there seems to be some concern that Nieto won't be fully healthy in time for the start of next season.