The Pittsburgh Penguins got some good news on Sunday, as forward Pascal Dupuis returned to practice for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury earlier this month.
The 36-year-old hasn’t been able to catch a break since last season. He missed most of 2014-15 (66 games) because of a torn ACL and a blood clot, and his injury woes continued into this year.
But things are starting to look up for Dupuis.
After being a full-participant in Sunday’s practice, the veteran admitted that he’s close to getting back into the lineup.
“I’m right on the schedule of the progress of this injury,” Dupuis said. “Today was a good step. If I went out and didn’t feel good it would be a step back. The fact that I stayed on and went through practice, did a normal practice and had a big smile on my face and had fun, I think it’s the right way.”
Dupuis on returning: "I'm right on schedule... Today was a good step." pic.twitter.com/76UNYIiooo
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 18, 2015
The Penguins originally said that Dupuis’ injury would keep him out for four-to-five weeks, which means he could potentially rejoin the team in the next two or three weeks.