Penguins Shake Up Lines as Stars Return From Olympics, Rookie Hayes Impresses
PITTSBURGH, PA – February 24, 2026 – The Pittsburgh Penguins held a spirited practice Monday as players returned from Olympic duty and a recent break. Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Arturs Silovs were back on the ice after representing their countries, with Karlsson rejoining his regular defensive partner, Parker Wotherspoon. However, Sidney Crosby remains sidelined with an injury sustained during the Olympics and his status for Thursday’s game against the New Jersey Devils is uncertain. In a surprising move, rookie forward Avery Hayes, recently recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, skated on the top line with Rakell and Bryan Rust after a hot streak in the AHL – including multiple hat tricks – and a strong showing in his last NHL game before the Olympic break. Head coach Dan Muse is evaluating options as the Penguins prepare for a crucial stretch run to finish the 2025-26 season.
Penguins’ Post-Olympic Push: Hayes Shines, Karlsson Returns, Crosby’s Status Uncertain
Pittsburgh Penguins fans have a lot to be excited about as their team returns from the Olympic break, gearing up for a crucial stretch run to the playoffs. Several key developments emerged from Monday’s practice, signaling a potential shift in the team’s dynamics and a renewed focus on securing a postseason berth.
Hayes Makes Immediate Impact
Avery Hayes, recently recalled from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, is already making waves. He skated on the top line with Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust during Monday’s practice, a testament to his impressive performance before the Olympic pause. He previously scored two goals in his NHL debut against the Buffalo Sabres, followed by consecutive hat tricks in the AHL. This rapid ascent highlights the Penguins’ willingness to integrate promising young talent into their lineup.
Head Coach Dan Muse praised Hayes’ play, stating he “played really well” in his previous stint with the team and has continued to excel in the AHL. This confidence suggests Hayes will have a significant opportunity to contribute during the remainder of the season.
Karlsson Back on the Ice
Erik Karlsson, representing Sweden at the Olympics, has rejoined the Penguins for practice. He was paired with his regular defensive partner, Parker Wotherspoon, indicating a seamless return to the lineup. Karlsson’s offensive prowess and puck-moving abilities are crucial to the Penguins’ power play and overall offensive strategy. His presence provides a significant boost to the team’s defensive corps.
Crosby’s Return Remains a Question Mark
The biggest uncertainty surrounds the status of captain Sidney Crosby. He sustained a lower-body injury during Team Canada’s quarterfinal game against Czechia, forcing him to miss the remainder of the Olympic tournament. The Penguins are currently awaiting an update on his condition, with no firm timeline for his return. The team is off on Tuesday, meaning an update may not come until Wednesday’s practice.
This situation underscores the importance of depth and versatility within a team. The Penguins’ ability to navigate Crosby’s absence will be a key factor in their success during the stretch run. Similar to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s reliance on depth during their recent championship runs, the Penguins need contributions from across the roster.
Lineup Adjustments and Practice Focus
Beyond Hayes and Karlsson, the Penguins showcased several other lineup combinations during practice. Rickard Rakell and Arturs Silovs also returned after their Olympic commitments. The forward lines included Hayes-Rakell-Rust, Chinakhov-Malkin-Novak, Mantha-Kindel-Brazeau and Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari, with Kevin Hayes as the 13th forward. Defensively, the pairings were Wotherspoon-Karlsson, Kulak-Letang, and Shea-Clifton, with Ryan Graves and Ilya Solovyov forming the fourth pair.
Coach Muse emphasized a comprehensive practice, focusing on 5-on-5 drills, special teams operate, and even 6-on-5 situations. This indicates a deliberate effort to refine all aspects of the team’s game in preparation for Thursday’s matchup against the Fresh Jersey Devils – their first game in three weeks.
FAQ
Q: What is Sidney Crosby’s injury status?
A: Crosby sustained a lower-body injury at the Olympics and his return timeline is currently unknown. The Penguins are awaiting further information.
Q: Who is Avery Hayes?
A: Hayes is a young forward recently recalled from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He has shown promising offensive skills and skated on the top line during Monday’s practice.
Q: When do the Penguins play next?
A: The Penguins will play the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
Stay tuned to 247sports.new for continued coverage of the Pittsburgh Penguins and their playoff push. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on Hayes’ potential and Crosby’s recovery in the comments below!