Jake Guentzel Still Around, Participates in Penguins Skate

The NHL trade deadline hasn’t changed, and the reports about possible trades involving Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel haven’t died down, but that didn’t stop Guentzel from participating in the team’s  morning skate Thursday at PPG Paints Arena.

Guentzel, who is on LTIR because of an upper-body injury and not eligible to be activated until Saturday, was wearing a black jersey, which can be an indication he has been cleared to take contact, although a team spokesperson indicated that is not the case.

Guentzel has been the subject of intense trade speculation. The trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m.

In addition, forwards Noel Accairi and Jansen Harkins, who missed Tuesday’s game because of undisclosed injuries, also participated in the skate. Coach Mike Sullivan said both will be game-time decisions Thursday night when the Penguins host the Washington  Capitals.

Forward Drew O’Connor, who left Tuesday’s game because of a concussion, did not skate.

Will this be the last time Guentzel is on the ice wearing a Penguins logo?