Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Samuel Girard (undisclosed) participated in Sunday's practice. Although the Penguins placed Girard on Injured Reserve Saturday, he appears to be close to returning to the lineup. The 28-year-old missed a third straight game on Saturday against Nashville. Girard has been in top form offensively this season, recording seven points (one goal, six assists) in nine games. Ilya Solovyov has played regularly during Girard's absence, but he hasn't made an impact in fantasy leagues.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (illness) practiced on Sunday. The Penguins were without Malkin on Saturday night against Nashville, but it appears he could be back for the next game. The team is off until Thursday, giving Malkin ample time to recover from his illness. Malkin has been solid at the start of his 21st NHL campaign, producing six goals and three assists in 11 games. Egor Chinakhov (lower body) and Justin Brazeau (lower body) also practiced on Sunday, so the Penguins' frontline could receive several reinforcements in the next game.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the club on Sunday. This ends a stalemate between the two sides after Nikishin began the season as an unsigned restricted free agent. Some crazy contracts were handed out this offseason, and Carolina initially failed to sign Nikishin following his impressive maiden NHL season. After amassing 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists), 94 blocks, and 132 hits in 82 games, Nikishin was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. He has all the tools to become a top-tier defenseman, though Nikishin's fantasy value is capped in Carolina because he's limited to a third-pairing role.

Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield (upper body) rejoined practice on Sunday. He was back on the ice after missing two games due to an upper-body injury. It's a good sign that Byfield has resumed skating, despite wearing a non-contact jersey. The Kings start the new week with a back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday, and it remains to be seen whether Byfield will be ready for either game. The team will certainly hope Byfield returns in better form than before. In seven games this season, the 24-year-old has contributed just one goal and one assist.