Injured Penguins F Guentzel on schedule for possible return

 Pittsburgh Penguins All-Star forward Jake Guentzel's recovery from shoulder surgery is on schedule, opening door for him to play at some point should NHL return this season.

General manr Jim Rurford said Wednesday that Guentzel has t endured any setbacks since undergoing surgery on Dec. 31 for shoulder he injured while awkwardly slamming into end boards shortly after scoring his 20th goal of season against Ottawa on Dec. 30.

initial timetable for Guentzel's potential return was 4 to 6 months. Rurford indicated 25-year-old Guentzel is near front end of timetable.

“If you take shortest (recovery) period, that would be end of April and if it's six months it's June,” Rurford said. “But I would expect that kwing Jake Guentzel that he’s going to be ready, and his rehab is going well. And he’s at point w where he’s one of guys who’s returned home and will continue to rehab on his own.

NHL's season remains on pause because of COVID-19 pandemic. It's possible that Guentzel — who wouldn't have been ready for start of playoffs under rmal schedule — could be available immediately if play doesn't resume for ar month or so.

Guentzel was in middle of his finest season at time of injury. His 20 goals led Penguins, helping m navigate a rocky few patch that included injuries to captain Sidney Crosby and star center Evgeni Malkin. Pittsburgh was in third place in Metropolitan Division when season was suspended.

(Pic Credit: Pixabay)