Evgeni Malkin Injury: Updates on Penguins Star's Status and Return

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin is one of the most gifted offensive players in the NHL, so his team is anxious for him to be on the ice again. He will return against the Oilers on Wednesday.

Continue for updates. 

---

Malkin to Return Wednesday vs. Oilers 

Wednesday, Feb. 4

The Penguins indicated Malkin will return Wednesday:

On Jan. 31, the team's official Twitter feed noted Malkin's return to practice.

---

Malkin Suffers Lower Body Injury

Wednesday, Jan. 21

The Penguins on Twitter announced that Malkin was ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks:

TSN's Bob McKenzie provided additional details on Malkin's status:

John Shannon of Sportsnet added more on Malkin's timetable:

Through 45 games, Malkin has recorded 19 goals and 32 assists thus far in 2014-15.  

Malkin has been a huge part of the offensive renaissance in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old Russian player has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. Since playing in all 82 games during the 2008-09 NHL season, Malkin has missed time due to injuries each year.

One of Malkin’s biggest strengths is his versatility. His vision on the ice makes him one of the top playmaking centers in the league, but his shooting prowess makes him just as dangerous on the wing.

As well as Malkin has played at times on the wing, he is a natural center. His ability to control the pace of play and lead the second line helps give Pittsburgh two of the most dangerous offensive lines in the NHL.

Pittsburgh has the depth needed to keep the team in postseason contention without Malkin in the lineup, but the sniper clearly makes the team better and must be healthy for the Penguins to have serious Stanley Cup aspirations.