CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — More than a week remains before the surprising Pittsburgh Penguins continue their quest to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs.

However, without their four Olympians — Canada’s Sidney Crosby, Sweden’s Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell, and Latvia’s Artūrs Šilovs — the Penguins resumed practice Tuesday afternoon at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Here are some observations and tidbits from the Penguins’ first day back at work.

Malkin contract

In what could only be described as unsurprising, Evgeni Malkin declined to speak with the media on Wednesday.

Malkin playfully exited the locker room as the media walked in, saying, “Wait until next week.”

The moment was reminiscent of the first day of every training camp, when Malkin never speaks. He usually waits until the first Sunday of training camp to talk — usually during a Steelers game, which typically lessens the number of media members there. Much like the first day of training camp, Wednesday’s workout drew a pretty heavy media contingent.

Malkin knew he’d be asked about whether his representatives made any progress in potential contract talks with Penguins general manager/president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. Malkin clearly wasn’t quite ready to chat about it with the media.

Letang injury

The news on Kris Letang is good.

Letang sustained a fractured bone in his foot on Jan. 29 against the Chicago Blackhawks, but he was skating on Tuesday. The 38-year-old looked comfortable and said he’s tracking toward being available for a return to the lineup next Thursday when the Penguins resume their schedule against the New Jersey Devils.

Letang said he knew immediately that he fractured his foot against the Blackhawks.

This recovery is no small deal for the Penguins. While Letang did struggle at times during the season’s first three months, he’s been markedly better since Dubas acquired fellow defenseman Brett Kulak from the Edmonton Oilers in the Tristan Jarry trade. The duo has been very good. Letang’s return will also mean Ryan Shea can shift back to his natural left side, a boost for him and the Penguins.

Jack St. Ivany remains out of action with a broken hand.

Hållander progressing

In the best news of the day, Penguins forward Filip Hållander skated with the Penguins.

He’s been out since early November because of a blood clot. He hasn’t yet been cleared for game action, but his progress is encouraging.

“It’s gone through phases, I would say,” Hållander said about what he’s been through the past few months. “Obviously, in the start, it was tough, especially when it’s something that’s been part of your life for a long time, as hockey has been. You don’t know if it’s going to be the end at the start. But after that, it’s probably been the best three months. It’s weird to say, especially when you find a way to get into the NHL and play a lot, and start there. But you get perspective on things when stuff like that happens.”

Clearly, Hållander is a glass-half-full guy.

“When something that’s so close to you almost gets away from you, you love it even more when you get a chance to do it again,” he said. “Obviously, I’ve been healthy enough to practice and be surrounded with a lot of good people here. I’ve been doing all that stuff really good. But you have a lot of time to think and to work on yourself. It’s weird to say, but it’s probably the best three months after all.”

Chinakhov settling in

I had a chat with Egor Chinakhov, who has scored eight goals in his first 18 games with the Penguins.

Chinakhov spent much of the Penguins’ time off in his new home.

“I love it here,” he said. “Everything has been perfect.”

Chinakhov’s relationship with Malkin is very good on and off the ice. The two have clear chemistry, and Chinakhov said Malkin frequently reminds him to shoot the puck when he gets it.

“Yes,” Chinakhov said with a smile. “But I still think it’s best to always make the right play.”

Malkin apparently thinks Chinakhov shooting the puck is typically the “right play.”

Same old Kindel

This will come as a surprise to no one who paid attention to the Penguins in the games leading up to the break, but Ben Kindel was absolutely flying at practice.

Defenseman Ryan Shea joked afterwards that everyone looked like they’d had a few days off … except for Kindel.

The 18-year-old center continues to impress, even in practice.

Kindel reported what was obvious: His legs feel pretty good. The rookie was on quite a roll before the break, scoring six goals in his past six games.

“I don’t gauge myself or judge my game just on production,” he said. “There have been ups and downs. Specifically in the last couple of games, there was more production, which is a part of the game. But overall, I just try to play the game the right way every night.”

The Penguins have no complaints.

Kindel was going to go home to Vancouver for the break but instead opted to hit the Caribbean with some of his teammates.

Thirty-three-year-old forward Kevin Hayes encouraged the teenager to join his older teammates on the trip.

It sounds like a good time was had by all. The Penguins veterans absolutely love Kindel. Shea commented that the Penguins liked Kindel from day one, and his decision to spend his break with his teammates and their families strengthened that bond even more.

The work doesn’t stop

These Penguins have an admirable work ethic reminiscent of the early days of the Crosby era.

Tuesday was the first practice back after a long break, and the Penguins don’t play for more than a week. There wasn’t a particular need for urgency.

But it was on clear display.

Olympic observations

I asked a few players about the Olympics. The thoughts on Crosby and Connor McDavid lighting it up were as you’d expect. One thing that got my attention: Three different members of the Penguins told me they believe Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel is Team USA’s best player.

The Penguins didn’t knock any of America’s big names. But Eichel’s performance has gotten everyone’s attention.

Good vibes

The positive energy around these Penguins is unmistakable. Several fans have told me in recent days that, because they’re so impressed with what the Penguins have done this season, they’re really itching for more games after the last couple of weeks without them.

The Penguins themselves are aware of that sentiment, and they’re eager to get back to work. The only thing more surprising than the Penguins’ stunningly good start to the season is how confident this team is about where it’s going.

The Penguins return to action next Thursday at home against the Devils. The NHL trade deadline is March 6. The final game is April 14 against the St. Louis Blues, and there are 26 games left, including that one.

Buckle up.