Pens Points: Brazeau inching closer to return

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Justin Brazeau is nearing a return to the lineup as he recovers from a lower-body injury suffered in the preseason. Meanwhile, forward Hendrix Lapierre has capitalized on playing alongside Ville Koivunen and Evgeni Malkin following a stint as a healthy scratch, and veteran winger Rickard Rakell is aiming to increase his offensive production alongside Sidney Crosby.

Around the NHL, the New York Rangers signed goaltender James Reimer to a one-year deal after starter Igor Shesterkin was ruled out for the season. Additionally, the Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a one-year, $3 million contract, and Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes indicated a decision on his long-term future may arrive soon.