Pens Post-Practice Notes: Kennedy has high ankle sprain; Asham takes first step; Staal remains on track

Kennedy has high ankle sprain

Not that there was any indication he was going to be moved but Tyler Kennedy is pretty much out of the discussion as a candidate to be moved at the trade deadline.

The struggling winger has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and will be out for 4 to 6 weeks, head coach Dan Bylsma announced today.

As of now, Kennedy is expected to be back by mid to late March, in time for the 2012 playoffs but the team won't know an exact timetable until a week or ten days from now.

"After a week we will have a better idea of what the timeframe looks like exactly, " Bylsma said. "Right now we're looking at four to six weeks.

Asham takes first minor step

Arron Asham who has not played since January 15th due to a concussion, skated for the first time today going through individual drills prior to practice and was in full gear.

It's a good first step for Asham as there's's been concerns surrounding him due to his age and suffering a second concussion in less than a year. Last season he was out for six weeks and Asham is still considered several weeks away from returning. "This is another level of exercise for him and {he} has been progressing, ' Bylsma said. "It's a step in the right direction.

Staal remains on track to return vs Jets

Things never seem to go easy for Jordan Staal when he attempts to make a return to the lineup from injury.