NHL Buzz: Pearson signs contract with Golden Knights

Pittsburgh Penguins

Bryan Rust is dealing with a lower body injury on a daily basis.

The forward had to be kept off the ice for the third time in a row on Friday. Rust's absence in the last two days was considered maintenance.

Rust, usually the right winger on the front line with center Sidney Crosby, tied with Erik Karlsson for third place on the Penguins last season with 56 points (28 goals, 28 assists) in 62 games.

Karlsson, who has been battling an upper-body injury on a daily basis, practiced for the second straight day on Friday.

The defenseman made no contact during a morning skate, switching to the third defensive pair and working with Evgeni Malkin, Rickard Rakell, Kris Letang and Crosby on the top power play. Rost would be part of this unit if he were healthy.

Before Thursday, Karlsson had not practiced since training camp opened on Sept. 18.

“We try to convince him in certain situations,” coach Mike Sullivan said Friday. “When you miss a guy of that stature virtually the entire training camp, it’s difficult because we’re trying to integrate these guys into different aspects of the game. He’s obviously a big part of it.”

Sullivan said Tuesday he is confident Karlsson can play when the Penguins open the regular season at home against the New York Rangers on Oct. 9.

Karlsson would likely have to transition to making contact before he can play in a game. The Penguins have three scheduled full practices before the opener.

Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury after leaving in the first period of Monday's 5-1 preseason win over the Detroit Red Wings.

Nedeljkovic, the expected replacement for Tristan Jarry, started the Penguins' final 13 games last season. On June 20, he signed a two-year, $5 million contract to remain in Pittsburgh. – Wes Crosby