SUNRISE, Fla. -- Mike Sullivan didn't have an official answer yet when I asked after Wednesday's practice whether Jake Guentzel would be available for Thursday's game against the Panthers.
"We certainly want to put these guys in positions to be successful," he said. "We'll communicate individually with (both Guentzel and Zach Aston-Reese), we want to make sure they're prepared to play."
Indications from personnel groups at practice, though, are that he's ready.
Guentzel skated alongside his preseason linemates Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust for the duration of the five-on-five drills.