Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese was formally removed from the NHL’s list for covid-19 protocol on Saturday in advance of potentially making his season debut during his team’s home opener, a contest against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The team announced Aston-Reese had tested positive for covid-19 on Sept. 27. Following a 10-day isolation period, he resumed skating with his teammates on Oct. 9 but did not play in either of the team’s first two games of the season as he reestablished his conditioning.

During Saturday’s morning skate, Aston-Reese skated on the left wing of the team’s third line along with Teddy Blueger at center and Brock McGinn at right wing.

Last season, Aston-Reese appeared in 45 games and scored 15 points (nine goals, six assists).

To make room for Rust on the roster, forward Bryan Rust was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Thursday. Rust suffered an undisclosed injury during the Penguins’ 5-4 overtime road loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

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