Penguins notebook: Patric Hornqvist could play this weekend

Even though winger Patric Hornqvist is recovering from his fourth documented concussion since the start of the 2016-17 season, he and the Pittsburgh Penguins see no need to give him an extra 10 days off.

After facing the Arizona Coyotes on Friday and Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, the Penguins begin their CBA-mandated bye week and won’t play again until Jan. 28 against New Jersey.

Yet Hornqvist rejoined the team for practice Thursday afternoon and could play in one or both of this weekend’s games if there are no stumbling blocks in his recovery.

“I feel better,” Hornqvist said. “It’s nice to be practicing again and be in contact. This is the right step to take.”

Coach Mike Sullivan said he didn’t have the medical expertise to assume that more time off would be beneficial for Hornqvist.

“We’re always concerned when any of our players gets a concussion,” Sullivan said. “The nature of those injuries is that they’re all very different. They’re unique. Different people respond different ways to them. Quite honestly, I certainly don’t know enough about them to make any sort of assumptions or draw any conclusions moving forward. What I do hope for is Patric’s well-being. That’s important.”

New arrival

Newly acquired forward Joseph Blandisi joined the Penguins for practice, skating on the fourth line with Matt Cullen and Garrett Wilson.

Blandisi has been playing for the AHL’s San Diego Gulls, who are in the midst of a 12-0-2 regulation unbeaten streak. He said he came off the ice at the end of a 2-1 victory over the Texas Stars on Wednesday night only to be told he was traded to the Penguins.

“A lot of emotions run through your head at that point, but I’m definitely really excited to be here,” Blandisi said.

Blandisi said his game is based on speed, two-way play and the ability to agitate opponents.

“I tend to play a little feisty at times,” he said.

He said his first reaction upon walking into the Penguins locker room was to be a little star-struck.

“This is a team I grew up watching,” the 24-year-old said. “Lots of these faces in the dressing room are ones that I looked up to when I was younger and still do to this day. It’s going to be interesting for me to soak everything in.”

Wilson’s path

The most direct beneficiary of the trade of Derek Grant to the Anaheim Ducks might be Wilson, whose path to an NHL job is much clearer now than it was before the deal.

Sullivan said the Penguins benefit most from Wilson’s attitude on and off the ice.

“He brings a certain level of urgency where every shift, he’s trying to make a difference and trying to make the most of the opportunity he’s been given,” Sullivan said. “I think that hunger, that urgency that he brings is contagious on our team.”

Jonathan Bombulie is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jonathan at jbombulie@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BombulieTrib.