Nick Bonino, Dmitry Kulikov and Marcus Pettersson could return for the Penguins against the Chicago Blackhawks at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday (7:30 p.m. ET; ATTSN-PT, NBCSCH, ESPN+, SN NOW).
Bonino, a forward, and Kulikov and Pettersson, defensemen, took full contact in practice Monday. Bonino has missed 16 games with a lacerated kidney; Kulikov and Pettersson have each been out with a lower-body injury, Kulikov since March 12 and Pettersson since March 18.
Forward Drew O'Connor practiced in a no-contact jersey after missing a 5-1 win against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday with an undisclosed injury.
"The only one that was in a non-contact jersey was [O'Connor]. The other guys were full participation, which obviously, is the last step before the return to play," coach Mike Sullivan said. "We'll see where these guys are. They're obviously a whole lot closer. We'll see where these guys are tomorrow."
Bonino was fourth-line left wing with center Jeff Carter and right wing Josh Archibald on Monday. Kulikov was on a third defense pair with Jan Rutta.
Each was acquired before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline on March 3.
Bonino, who won the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, does not have a point in three games since being brought back in a three-team trade with the San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens. Kulikov has one assist in four games since being traded to the Penguins from the Anaheim Ducks.
"It was as frustrating as it could have been," Bonino said. "You leave your family, especially. Come out, excited to get here. Play three games and then, effectively, sit on a couch for two weeks with zero anything. Can't do anything physical. Happy to be back, moving around."
Pettersson rotated on a fourth defense pair with Mark Friedman and Chad Ruhwedel. He has 24 points (one goal, 23 assists) in 67 games this season. -- Wes Crosby