A couple of bits of Penguins news in advance of tonight's game against the Senators: First, the Pens have sent Dustin Jeffrey back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, which could mean that winger Arron Asham, who has struggled recently with a lower-body injury, will be ready to play (although no one has reported that specifically).
↵Also, Jordan Staal, who has missed the whole season so far with a foot infection and a broken hand, skated with the Pens in practice today. He will not be available tonight, but he could return in time for the Winter Classic. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma notes, however, that "there's no timeline" for Staal to come back, so hoping he returns that soon could be optimistic. It has seemed like Staal has been on the verge of returning for the entire season so far, but he hasn't yet. Of course, that's partly due to the freak hand injury he suffered right before he was ready to come back from the foot infection. But still, I'm not holding my breath.
↵The Trib says that the likelihood that Staal will return for the Winter Classic is very small, which seems about right.