Burke gives us an injury update on Malkin

"Geno, obviously, is at the next stage of his rehab process," Head coach Mike Sullivan said before Monday's game. "Our medical team thinks he's ready to get more players around him and participate in a non-contact fashion. So that was the motivation to bring him on this trip, to get him around more players."

It was a good indication for supporters, but President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke insists the Russian centerman will be back soon.

"He's not close to playing," Burke said "He's still a ways away. But just his presence out there gave us a lift."

"He's an elite player. He's a great kid and it was really nice to see him out there, even though, like I say, let's not get carried away here. This guy still (has) some time to go," he added.

Malkin, 35, had off-season knee surgery and was anticipated back in late November. That timeframe has changed, and no one knows when the Magnitogorsk, Russia native will return to the game.