Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…
The Pittsburgh Penguins have fared surprisingly well in the absence of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. One of the main forces behind this recent run of form is coming from defenseman Erik Karlsson, who has been playing his best hockey to date in a Pittsburgh sweater. [PensBurgh]
Evgeni Malkin said he and Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas plan to revisit his contract situation after the season, with both sides agreeing to wait until the summer while focusing on finishing the current campaign. Malkin said after Monday’s
7-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche that he intends to keep playing, perhaps even for another two seasons beyond this one. [PensBurgh]
The Penguins’ depth at forward will be tested with a key cog in the bottom-six to miss an extended period. Forward Blake Lizotte has been injured and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, the team said on Tuesday afternoon. [PensBurgh]
NHL news and notes…
Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury, the team announced on Tuesday. [ESPN]
Noted goon George Parros was given the microphone on Tuesday morning at the NHL General Managers’ meetings to give his rationale and explain why the Department of Player Safety is doing a bang-up job with the process it follows when determining player discipline. [NHL]
Doug Armstrong has stepped down as general manager of Canada’s men’s national hockey team after serving in the role through the 2026 Olympics. He will also cede control of the St. Louis Blues to Alexander Steen following the 2026 NHL Draft. [Sportsnet]
NHL general managers are discussing a potential rule change that would allow some 19-year-old players from the Canadian Hockey League to play in the American Hockey League. The proposal would require changes to the NHL-CHL agreement and could take effect as early as next season if approved. [NHL]
