PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — The Penguins might have a player return from a concussion this week, as defenseman Zbynek Michalek said Wednesday he’s hoping to return for Friday’s game at Ottawa.

That is, if he continues to be symptom free.

“As long as I don’t have symptoms I’m hoping to be back in the lineup for Friday,” Michalek said, according to the Penguins official website.

Michalek hasn’t played since Nov. 26.

It seems unlikely he’ll be joined by center Sidney Crosby or defensemen Kris Letang and Robert Bortuzzo — all three are out with concussions as well. None participated in practice Wednesday. Even if any return to practice Thursday, they’ll likely need a string of symptom-free workouts before being permitted to return to the lineup.

Forwards Jordan Staal and Joe Vitale sat out of Wednesday’s practice. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said both were given “maintenance days.”

Other Penguins news:

• The Penguins reassigned forward Jason Williams and defenseman Alexandre Picard to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Wednesday.
• Penguins defense prospect Scott Harrington was selected to Canada’s roster for the upcoming world junior championships. First-round pick Joe Morrow missed the final cut.
• Penguins fifth-round pick, forward Dominik Uher, was selected to the Czech Republic’s world junior championships roster.

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