Penguins' Erik Karlsson: Skates on his own Saturday

Karlsson (upper body) skated on his own before practice Saturday, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Karlsson didn't skate when the Penguins opened training camp Wednesday, so he is trending in the right direction. He could be ready for Opening Night on Oct. 9 versus the Rangers. Karlsson had 56 points in 82 games during his first season with the Penguins in 2023-24. The 34-year-old defender had a career-high 101 points in 2022-23 for San Jose and will likely be around the 70-point mark this campaign if he can remain healthy.