Alexei Marchenko (oblique) was able to get in a skate Thursday, MLive.com's Ansar Khan reports.

Marchenko (oblique) was able to get in a skate Thursday, MLive.com's Ansar Khan reports.

Analysis:

Marchenko seems to be progressing as anticipated from the injury, perhaps making him only a few days away from a return to game action. Once healthy, it's unclear whether Marchenko will have a regular role waiting for him, as the newly acquired Marek Zidlicky might have permanently taken over a role on the club's third defensive pairing.