Paul Martin will play Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with a stiff back, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Martin will play Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with a stiff back, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis:

The Penguins have looked to minimize Martin's role, as the defender is in the final year of a five-year, $25 million contract and is expected to be traded at the deadline. However, with Olli Maatta expected to miss the month of November following thyroid surgery, Martin could move back into a more offensive role. He's averaging 59 seconds on the second-line power play, but could see more time there in November with Maatta out. Martin has two even-strength points in eight games and ranks third on the Pens with 11 blocked shots.