The Pittsburgh Penguins could have Rickard Rakell back in the lineup in the very new future.

After almost a month on the shelf with an upper-body injury, Rickard Rakell is getting closer to returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup.

For the first time since being placed on long-term injured reserve, Rakell returned to skating with the Penguins in a full-contact capacity.

Rakell’s first day of eligibility to return is Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing time with an upper-body injury.

In his first skate back, with other key injuries still lingering, Rakell was placed alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel on the first line.

Following the practice, head coach Mike Sullivan did not confirm that Rakell will return against the Maple Lefs, but the Penguins are encouraged with the amount of progress he has made.

While nothing has been made certain, the Penguins did place forward Vinnie Hinostroza on waivers, likely to clear the roster space for Rakell.

It’s been a tough season for Rakell so far going without a goal in 17 games; with just four assists to his name, Rakell is surely looking to get the monkey off of his back.

Rakell has been playing on the second line with Evgeni Malkin and Reilly Smith all season, but with Bryan Rust still hurt, a spot is open on the Penguins’ first line.

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