Training camp buzz: Elias Lindholm, Marchand make preseason debuts for Bruins

Pittsburgh Penguins

Coach Mike Sullivan said Erik Karlsson could return from an upper-body injury before the start of the Penguins regular season.

The 34-year-old defenseman skated on his own on Tuesday after being kept off the ice for the previous six days. Since the opening of training camp on September 18, Karlsson has been playing day to day.

“He had a really good day on the ice, so he’s making progress there,” Sullivan said.

Karlsson will likely have to join non-contact training and transition to full contact before the start of the match. Pittsburgh has two preseason games remaining, back-to-back against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday and Friday.

However, Sullivan expressed confidence that Karlsson will be able to play in Pittsburgh’s home opener of the regular season on Oct. 9 against the New York Rangers.

“I think today was a really encouraging day, so I think it’s a big step forward,” Sullivan said. “I think players of Erik’s level, in my experience, don’t usually need that many reps to get up to speed. If they’re not as smart and not at the top of their game, they’re still pretty good and can help you win.

“From this point of view, “Karla” will gain momentum in due time. We will listen to the views of our medical team on this matter.”

Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, Tristan Jarry’s everyday backup, is being evaluated for a lower-body injury he suffered in the first quarter of Monday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Forward Blake Lizotte continues to be evaluated for an upper-body injury he suffered on Sunday during the Kraft Hockeyville 2024 game against the Ottawa Senators at the Sudbury Community Arena in Sudbury, Ontario. —Wes Crosby