Hornqvist might play against Coyotes
GLENDALE, Ariz. — All of a sudden, he appeared, wearing a red, non-contact sweater. Then, 25 minutes into practice Thursday, Patric Hornqvist changed into a black one, signifying he was fair game.
The Penguins’ energetic right winger, recovering from a concussion he suffered Jan. 8, joined his teammates on the ice at Arizona’s Gila River Arena, and it appears he could be back in the lineup Friday against the Coyotes.
“It’s great to get him back in the fold,” said coach Mike Sullivan. “He’s such a big part of this team. He brings great energy to the rink when he’s here. He’s obviously a real good player for us. We’re thrilled to get him back with the team.
“We’ll see how he responds. He feels really good. We’ll take each day as it comes.”
Hornqvist, who has 15 goals in 34 games this season, reported no issues afterward and said it’s absolutely possible he could get into a game or two this weekend.
“If anything goes the right way, I can be a game-time decisions some of these games, yeah,” he said.
There is kind of a scary side to all of this, though.
The concussion is Hornqvist’s second this season and fifth since December 2014. Whether they’re fluky or preventable with a stylistic change to his game, they still happened.
Several of Hornqvist’s teammates have said they worry about his health, having had so many concussions, but there’s little anybody can do except follow the return-to-play criteria. While that has been somewhat comforting, it’s hard to ignore the human element with Hornqvist.
“We’re always concerned when any of our players get a concussion,” Sullivan said. “The nature of those injuries is that they’re all very different; they’re unique. Different people respond different ways to them.
“What I do hope for is Patric’s well-being. That’s important. That’s always our priority concern.”
Blandisi raring to go
When Joseph Blandisi was growing up in Markham, Ontario, some of his favorite things to read were books about Sidney Crosby. Not to make the Penguins captain feel old.
Blandisi, 24, also looked around the dressing room Thursday after the Penguins practice at Gila River Arena and said, “Lots of these guys are people I looked up to when I was younger and still do to this day.”
While Blandisi seemed more than a little excited to be around his new team, he won’t have to wait long to play a game alongside some of his new teammates. General manager Jim Rutherford said earlier in the day that Blandisi, acquired in an early-morning trade Thursday, likely will suit up against the Coyotes.
“I’ve been a fan my whole life,” Blandisi said. “It’s an exciting time for me. I look forward to helping the team win some games.”
Although he’s a center and was acquired to fill a spot vacated by Derek Grant, Blandisi said he’s comfortable on either wing. In 27 games this season with the San Diego Gulls — Anaheim’s AHL affiliate — Blandisi had eight goals and 31 points and was a plus-7. In 74 NHL games with Anaheim and New Jersey, Blandisi has eight goals, 26 points.
“I like to play fast,” Blandisi said. “I think I can bring some offense to the table. I’m trustworthy defensively. I can get under the skin of the opponents. I can play a little feisty at times. I’m relentless and hardworking.”
Blandisi is a little undersized at 5-11, 187 pounds, but he can also be a pain to play against. He’ll make $680,000 at the NHL level and will be a restricted free agent after the season.
Sullivan said he liked Blandisi’s skating, and the Penguins see a young player who could possibly get a lot better.
“We think his best years are in front of him,” Sullivan said.
“It’s just one more young player that we can add to the mix that can play the type of game that we’re trying to play. I think he can bring us energy. He can kill penalties. He’s a center and a wing. I’m looking forward to becoming more familiar with his game.”
Blandisi worked on a fourth line with Matt Cullen and Garrett Wilson, but Hornqvist’s possible return could force some rethinking.