The Latest Penguins Buzz

Center Mark Letestu is not a player whose regarded as being in the Penguins long-term plans or even considered one of the organizations top 10 prospects.

Letestu though has the confidence of head coach Dan Bylsma which can go a long way. His ability on face-offs along with some offensive ability has caught the eye of Penguins mangement. He reminds one member of the Penguins organization of Mike Zigomanis but with higher upside.

Letestu was 9-for-16 on draws against the Blackhawks and drew the assignment of going up against John Madden at 18:21 of the third period in what led to Jordan Staal's game tying goal.

Letestu's stay in Pittsburgh will be short as Sidney Crosby expected to return to the lineup by Thursday night but Pittsburgh likes the fact that he's a right handed centerman as Craig Adams has struggled this season on draws. Letestu could groom into a role player down the road for the Penguins.

*Winger Chris Kunitz has been targeting this week to get back on the ice and practice. A source close to Kunitz says his return may not be until Mid-December at the earliest.

*The Sergei Gonchar to the KHL rumors are already making the rounds but that's not coming from Gonchar's camp. Gonchar's focus is playing in the NHL and remaining on the East coast.