Jake Guentzel joined some of his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates for the first time since his injury.

PITTSBURGH – Jake Guentzel has been a hot topic in the NHL’s trade market as the Pittsburgh Penguins have yet to decide on his future. The multi-time 40-goal scorer has been out of the Penguins’ lineup with an upper-body injury since mid-February and isn’t eligible to return until at least March 10.

Despite being out of the lineup, Guentzel’s trade value isn’t expected to decrease. Guentzel took another step towards a return to the ice, too. Ahead of the Penguin's battle with the Calgary Flames, Guentzel joined some of his teammates for an optional morning skate.

Guentzel skated in a white, non-contact uniform with a handful of his Penguins teammates. This is his first time taking the ice with other Penguins for an official practice after a few solo sessions.

It isn’t clear if Guentzel will ever return to game action with the Penguins, but this is a big step forward in his eventual comeback.

Guentzel made the rare move of traveling with the Penguins as they embarked West for a four-game road trip. The Penguins have also been without Bryan Rust the entire trip, but he stayed back in Pittsburgh.

In 50 games played, Guentzel has been one of the most productive players on the Penguins’ roster. He’s picked up 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 total points.

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