Penguins Notebook: Sam Girard Nears Return To The Lineup

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Sam Girard appears poised to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth. Girard practiced in a regular contact jersey on Wednesday alongside Kaedan Korczak after missing over a week due to an injury sustained against the Vegas Golden Knights. Girard confirmed after practice that he felt great and was excited for the upcoming game.

Several other Penguins are also slated to return on Thursday, including Evgeni Malkin from illness, Egor Chinakhov from injury, and Ben Kindel following a medical episode. Meanwhile, Justin Brazeau, Avery Hayes, and Chase Pietila were assigned to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, with Brazeau joining on a conditioning loan.