Penguins Activate Jason Zucker, Evgeni Malkin Moved to LTIR

The Pittsburgh Penguins will likely have Jason Zucker in the lineup on Monday night against the New York Islanders. Penguins GM Ron Hextall announced Zucker’s activation at 5 p.m. on Monday.

Hextall also moved Malkin to LTIR retroactive to March 16. To clarify, moving Malkin to LTIR means he is ineligible to return for 24 days and 10 games (from March 16), which would be April 9th in New Jersey.

Forwards Drew O’Connor (NHL) and Jonathan Gruden (AHL) were re-assigned to the taxi squad.

Zucker has played 17 games this season and scored seven points (4g, 3a). He suffered a scary lower-body injury against the New York Rangers and missed the last 18 games.

Being activated is nearly a sure sign he will play. Zucker has been a full participant in the last few Pittsburgh Penguins morning skates and practice, including on Sunday. 

Malkin suffered a lower-body injury against the Boston Bruins on March 16. Boston defenseman Jared Tinordi checked Malkin in the corner. Malkin left the game after another shift and did not return.

This season, Malkin has 24 points (8g, 16a) in 29 games.