Johnston plans to play Evgeni Malkin on the wing with Brandon Sutter

POST-PRACTICE BUZZ

Are the Penguins coaching staff overestimating Brandon Sutter’s offensive ability?

With Evgeni Malkin set to return Thursday or Saturday, the plan is to play Malkin on the right wing with Brandon Sutter and Pascal Dupuis.

Johnston said the move is not necessarily permanent but he likes what Sutter brings offensively and feels this is the best way to get Malkin accumulated. The Penguins coaching staff are not huge fans of Malkin’s play in his own end.

More Buzz

— The pre-camp rumblings of Johnston not wanting to play Pascal Dupuis on the top line has ended up becoming accurate.

Crosby will open the season with Chris Kunitz and Patric Hornqvist.

— Scott Harrington said he hasn’t been told whether he’s staying or not. He was the extra pair and the Penguins won’t be keeping him up here not to play.

— Oskar Sundqvist did not have a name plate in the Penguins locker room after practice, FWIW. Andrew Ebbett and Zach Sill did. Sill was told yesterday that he’s staying for now but always subject to change with a bubble player like him whose spot has been pending Malkin’s availability.

— Kasperi Kapanen has returned home to be with his family for now. The Penguins say they have not made an official decision yet.

Penguins defensemen Robert Bortuzzo and Simon Despres will be signing autographs from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. tonight at Rostraver Ice Gardens. $5 admission benefits Project Bundle Up. Kids 5 and under and Cal U Students get in free.