Ponomarev is regarded as day-to-day due to his upper-body injury, per Rob Rossi of The Athletic on Wednesday.
Ponomarev had nine goals and 30 points in 45 regular-season AHL appearances between Tucson, Chicago and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2023-24. He also appeared in two regular-season games with Carolina, contributing a goal and an assist. Ponomarev has been in the mix to make Pittsburgh's Opening Night roster, though this injury might complicate that.