Ponomarev (upper body) is expected to miss Friday's preseason game against Columbus, the team announced Thursday.
Friday's clash is Pittsburgh's final scheduled exhibition contest before the start of the regular season. When Ponomarev is healthy, he will probably be sent to the minors. He had nine goals and 30 points across 45 regular-season contests between AHL Tucson, Chicago and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2023-24.