Penguins PTO Defenseman Skates for First Time Since Injury

Prior to the start of the training camp, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed defenseman Mark Pysyk to a professional tryout contract.

Even after a year away from the ice because of an Achilles injury, Pysyk had a great opportunity to crack the Penguins roster as a third-pairing right handed shot defenseman.

It took just one preseason game for Pysyk to be moved to the injured list with a lower-body injury.

At the time, Pysyk was labeled with a lower-body injury and would be out ‘longer-term.’

Despite not taking any more game action or even skating in practices, the Penguins never released Pysyk from his PTO.

With the regular season underway, Pysyk is returning to health and skating again with the Penguins’ coaching staff.

Pysyk took to the ice ahead of a morning skate with Penguins trainers.

According to head coach Mike Sullivan, Pysyk has had a couple of informal skates but has started gaining structure with his most recent spin on the ice.

Sullivan did mention that there is still no status updates in terms of a return, but he is working his way through the rehab process.

If Pysyk is to play withing the Penguins organization, he will still have to sign a full contract.

Forward Austin Wagner is also still around the Penguins as a PTO.