Max Talbot let it be known last night that he would more than likely be ready to give it go on Thursday night in Ottawa. That wasn't officially confirmed as of yet, though the team's actions seem to speak to the fact that he is indeed ready... (Talbot's comments were that he "hoped" to return Thursday)

The team today, reassigned Mark Letestu to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes Barre-Scranton. Letestu had been centering the Penguins third line, a role typically filled by Max Talbot or Jordan Staal.

The move opens a spot in the line-up for Talbot and give Dan Bylsma some flexibility. He can shift Staal into his usual role on the third line, utilizing Talbot on the second line's wing or slot Talbot into that third line center role.

No matter how Bylsma decides to flesh out his line-up in Ottawa, this is great news for a team that has had nothing bad as of late...at least in regard to injuries.

With Talbot now working himself back into the mix, all eyes should shift to Sergei Gonchar who is close to returning himself. All indications were that he would be ready before Thanksgiving and I would bank on seeing him before...maybe as soon as this weekend.

More later...

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