Valtteri Puustinen has an opportunity to solidify his role with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rickard Rakell was a recent full participant at practice, but is still not ready to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup. The Penguins upcoming contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs is the first day of eligibility to return for Rakell, but he will remain sidelined. Head coach Mike Sullivan stated following Rakell’s first practice back that his status had not changed but progress was being made. Despite no Rakell against the Maple Leafs, the Penguins seem to already be preparing for him to return in the near future. For the time being, Rakell will continue sit on long-term injured reserve; he hasn't played since November 19. The Penguins placed forward Vinnie Hinostroza on waivers not long after Rakell wrapped his first full practice back. Whenever Rakell does eventually return, he will still be searching for his first goal of the season with only four assists on his stat line. The Penguins still have recalled forwards like Jansen Harkins, Marc Johnstone, and Jonathan Gruden at their disposal to fill empty lineup spots. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Penguins Have Not Lost Stanley Cup Ambitions [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/pittsburgh-penguins-not-lost-stanley-cup-ambitions] Penguins Organization Releases Defenseman from AHL Contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-release-defenseman-ahl-contract] Penguins vs. Maple Leafs: Do It for Dad [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-toronto-maple-leafs-do-for-dad] Scoring Struggles Clouding Perception of Penguins Defenseman [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/scoring-struggles-clouding-perception-pittsburgh-penguins-defenseman] * undefined * undefined
