Malkin, Korczak Miss Practice; Brazeau Recalled
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kaedan Korczak were absent from Monday's practice due to undisclosed injuries, both labeled day-to-day.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Hockey
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kaedan Korczak were absent from a practice session in Cranberry on Monday, both labeled day-to-day. The team also recalled forward Justin Brazeau from its conditioning assignment with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Why it matters
Malkin leads the Penguins with six goals and Korczak averages more than 18 minutes of ice time, so their availability affects the team's top lines and blue line. Brazeau's recall adds depth as Pittsburgh manages its roster during the early season.
Malkin averages 17:03 of ice time per game and has six goals and 11 points in 13 games this season, while Korczak averages 18:21 with six assists in 14 games. The injuries remain undisclosed, and the club has not specified when either player will return.
The players
Evgeni Malkin
Veteran Russian center who has been a longtime cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins and a multiple-time Stanley Cup champion.
Kaedan Korczak
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman who has been a regular on the team's blue line this season.
Justin Brazeau
Forward recalled by the Penguins from their American Hockey League affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, after scoring 34 points in a career-best season last year.
Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL franchise based in Pittsburgh that has won five Stanley Cup championships and plays home games at PPG Paints Arena.
The details
Malkin and Korczak missed Monday's practice in Cranberry, with the Penguins citing undisclosed injuries. Elmer Soderblom's status moved from day-to-day to week-to-week, and he remains on injured reserve after last playing Oct. 24.
Timeline
Oct. 24: Elmer Soderblom last played in a game before being placed on injured reserve.
Sept. 21: Justin Brazeau suffered a suspected right leg injury during preseason.
Monday: Malkin and Korczak missed practice, and Brazeau was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Tuesday: The Penguins host the Vegas Golden Knights and debut a new alternate jersey.
Season Trajectory
The Penguins' new alternate jersey is their 13th since the 2008-09 season, extending a franchise pattern of frequent uniform changes. The injuries and recalls come as Pittsburgh manages its lineup through the early part of the schedule.
Brazeau is expected to play Tuesday against Vegas, giving the Penguins an added forward option. Fantasy managers tracking Malkin and Korczak should monitor their day-to-day status before Tuesday's game.
The takeaway
Day-to-day designations often resolve quickly, but the undisclosed nature of Malkin and Korczak's injuries means fans should wait for an official update before Tuesday's game.
What happens next
The Penguins host the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, when the new alternate jersey debuts and Brazeau is expected to play.
Further reading
For more on the club's roster and season, see Pittsburgh Hockey.
