Penguins' Erik Karlsson: Back skating Tuesday

Karlsson (upper body) took a solo twirl on the ice Tuesday, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Karlsson had been held off the ice since Thursday but seems to be making strides in his recovery. The Pens have just three more preseason opportunities for the 34-year-old blueliner to get back into the lineup, though he is expected back for Opening Night versus the Rangers on Oct. 9 either way. If Karlsson does miss any time, Kris Letang will move into the No. 1 power-play unit while Sebastian Aho could make the 23-man roster.