Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis has not been cleared for contact as he recovers from knee surgery and it is unknown if he will be in time for the start of training camp Sept. 19, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Thursday.
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"We don't hit anybody this early anyway, so I wouldn't be able to test it," Dupuis told the newspaper. "Yes, I'm battling in the corners, 1-on-1, and it feels great. It doesn't swell on me. … The way it feels is the way I would feel this time of year, usually. It's just not battle-tested yet."
Dupuis, 35, is skating with Penguins teammates at Consol Energy Center. He was injured Dec. 23 against the Ottawa Senators when he was involved in a collision with Sidney Crosby. Dupuis had surgery Feb. 12 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
He said he cannot feel the area around his right kneecap because nerves were cut during the surgery. He told writer Dave Molinari he will wear a brace this season.
"The only part I can control myself is being ready, physically and mentally," Dupuis said. "I know that when they give me the green light, I won't second-guess myself. When they give me the green light, it's to go all-out."
Dupuis had 20 points in 39 games last season playing primarily on the Penguins' top line with Crosby and Chris Kunitz. It is unknown if Dupuis will remain there under new coach Mike Johnston.
The Penguins open the season Oct. 9 against the Anaheim Ducks.
"You know me. From Day One, it doesn't matter where I play," Dupuis said. "I give my all, all of the time."
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