JakeGuentzel

News: 9 hours agoGuentzel (ankle) participated in a practice Friday, Dave Molinari of Pittsburgh Hockey Now reports.

Spin: While Guentzel has been skating for over a week, he practiced in a non-contact jersey with other Penguins for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery on Aug. 2. Guentzel has a chance to return in time for the start of the NHL season, but he is more likely to miss a few games at this time. He had 36 goals and 73 points in 78 contests last season.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Guentzel was his usual steady self from a fantasy perspective in 2022-23, posting 35-plus goals (36) and 70-plus points (73) for the third time in five years. Guentzel also set a new career high with 23 points with the man advantage, while his 243 shots on goal were his second-highest mark to date. Guentzel is obviously an excellent player in his own right, but his fantasy value is significantly boosted by the fact he lines up alongside Sidney Crosby every night. Sid appeared in all 82 games for the Penguins a year ago and will play this entire season at age 36, so Guentzel's numbers could take a minor hit if Crosby is out with an injury for an extended period in 2023-24.